Orkney Sports Awards Return for Biggest Year Yet

Nominations are now open for the Orkney Sports Awards 2025, celebrating the outstanding achievements of the county's athletes, coaches, volunteers and teams.

Organised by Orkney Islands Council's Active Schools & Community Sports team and sponsored by Stagecoach, this year's awards promise to be the biggest yet, with categories expanded from 10 to 18, including a new Sports Photograph of the Year award.

Catherine Johnson, Active Schools Coordinator said: "It's been an incredible year of sporting achievement across our community. 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.

"We're incredibly grateful to our headline sponsor Stagecoach for their continued sponsorship, and to all the individual companies who have backed specific awards. Their support 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

Alternatively, nomination forms will appear in The Orcadian over the next three editions. Completed forms can be returned by post to Education, Communities and Housing, Orkney Islands Council, Kirkwall, KW15 1NY. Nominations can also be submitted by email to active-schools@orkney.gov.uk.

Categories for 2025 include:

• Male Sportsperson of the Year
• Female Sportsperson of the Year
• Veteran Sportsperson of the Year (35 years and over)
• Male Young Sportsperson of the Year (18 and under)
• Female Young Sportsperson of the Year (18 and under)
• Team of the Year
• Young Team of the Year (18 and under)
• Coach of the Year
• Official of the Year
• Young Volunteer of the Year (25 years and under)
• Island Games Volunteer of the Year
• Community Volunteer of the Year
• School Sports Volunteer of the Year
• Performance of the Year
• Sports Photograph of the Year
• Club of the Year (self-nomination by clubs only)

There will be an overall Sportsperson and an overall Young Sportsperson chosen from the male, female and veteran categories and young male and young female categories.

Sports Photograph of the Year entries must be submitted digitally by the photographer who holds the copyright, either through the online nomination form or by email to active-schools@orkney.gov.uk.

Ivan Taylor, Vice Chair of the Council's Education Leisure and Housing Committee, said: "Orkney has a thriving sporting community with talented and dedicated people who are worthy of recognition. 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. Nominating someone is quick and easy, and it's a wonderful way to show your appreciation for those who go above and beyond."