The Orkney Sports Awards are back and this year’s celebration promises to be the biggest yet, honouring the athletes, coaches, volunteers, and teams who make Orkney’s sporting community shine.
Organised by Orkney Islands Council’s Active Schools & Community Sports Team and sponsored by Stagecoach, the 2025 awards have been expanded from ten to eighteen categories, reflecting an exceptional year of local sporting achievement.
The new line-up includes a Sports Photograph of the Year award, celebrating the creativity and spirit captured in Orkney’s sporting moments.
Catherine Johnson, Active Schools Coordinator, said it was vital to recognise the scale of talent and dedication across the islands.
“It’s been an incredible year of sporting achievement across our community,” she said.
“Whilst the Island Games were undoubtedly a highlight, we’ve seen excellence right across the sporting calendar, from grassroots to elite level.”
“Given the exceptional year we’ve had, our service felt it was important to expand our categories to ensure we can properly recognise all the outstanding achievements across our sporting community.”
She added:
“We’re incredibly grateful to our headline sponsor Stagecoach for their continued support, and to all the individual companies who have backed specific awards.
“Their generosity makes this celebration possible.”
The awards night will take place on Friday 30 January 2026, with nominations closing at midnight on Sunday 16 November 2025.
Nominations can be made online at www.orkney.gov.uk/sportsawards, by email to active-schools@orkney.gov.uk, or by post to Education, Communities and Housing, Orkney Islands Council, Kirkwall, KW15 1NY.
Categories for 2025 include:
- Male, Female and Veteran Sportsperson of the Year
- Young Male and Young Female Sportsperson of the Year (18 and under)
- Team and Young Team of the Year
- Coach, Official, and Volunteer of the Year (including Community, School Sports and Island Games volunteers)
- Performance of the Year
- Club of the Year
- Sports Photograph of the Year
There will also be two overall winners: Sportsperson of the Year and Young Sportsperson of the Year, chosen from the main category winners.
Ivan Taylor, Vice Chair of the Council’s Education, Leisure and Housing Committee, said the awards highlight the depth of sporting passion across Orkney.
“Orkney has a thriving sporting community with talented and dedicated people who are worthy of recognition,” he said.
“These awards are our chance to celebrate everyone who contributes to sport in our islands, whatever their discipline or level.”
“Whether it’s an athlete who’s achieved something remarkable, a coach who’s inspired young people, a volunteer who’s given their time selflessly, or a team that’s excelled together, we want to hear about them.”
“Submitting a nomination is quick and easy, and it’s a wonderful way to show your appreciation for those who go above and beyond.”
