Orkney Sports Awards return in 2021 – nominations now open

The most prestigious awards in Orkney sport has returned, as the search to crown the county’s most outstanding athlete of the last year gets under way.

The Orkney Sports Awards, organised by Orkney Islands Council’s Active Schools team and sponsored by The Orcadian, celebrate and recognise the county’s vast sporting achievement and success over the past year.

Nominations can now be made up until midnight on Sunday, November 21, with the Orkney public urged to get their vote in for the nine categories, including athlete, team, coach, official or volunteer, as soon as possible.

The Orcadian will run nomination forms for the next three editions, which can be sent by email to the Active Schools team, by private message to the Active Schools Orkney Facebook page or by post to Education, Leisure and Housing, Orkney Islands Council, Kirkwall, KW15 1NY.   Votes can also be made by private messaging the The Orcadian Facebook and Twitter feeds.

The awards night will take place on Friday, January 21, 2022, at Kirkwall Grammar School.

The return of Orkney’s rich sporting scene has been a huge positive following an extended lay-off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Restrictions and the ongoing public health crisis still continues to have an impact but there has been a heartening return to competitive action for a range of sports this year.

One of the organisers, Catherine Johnson said: “While it was a huge disappointment to have to cancel last year, given the situation we were in and the huge impact the pandemic had on sport actually taking place, it was the correct decision.

“This year, with the continuing success of the vaccine roll-out and the excellent work carried out by all folk in the community, we feel we are in a position that the Orkney Sports Awards can return.

“However, we are not and will not take any unnecessary risks. We will continue to monitor the situation and follow guidance from the Scottish Government, NHS Orkney and Orkney Islands Council in the run-up to the Awards ceremony.”

The awards recognise dedication and achievement at every level of sport.

The nine categories rightly shine a light on the successes of not only the athletes and teams themselves, but also the officials, volunteers and coaches who play a key role in making Orkney sport happen.

“The Orkney Sports Awards showcases our exceptional sporting community, but these awards are nothing without your nominations,” said Ms Johnson.

“Celebrating and recognising achievement and success is essential, and Orkney has an abundance of deserving athletes, teams, officials, coaches and volunteers who deserve to see their names and achievements highlighted on a grand stage.

“I urge the Orkney public to do as they’ve always done with these Awards and support them by submitting the names of those folk they believe are deserving of recognition.”

The Sports Awards may not have taken place last year but that is not to say Orkney sport did not enjoy a night in the limelight last year.

An online ceremony took place to mark the first inductees being entered into the Orkney sport’s Hall of Fame.

Such was the strength of nominations received last time around, more inductees are set to be entered from that pool on the night.

Ms Johnson added: “We have received fantastic backing from our main sponsor The Orcadian from day one, which is greatly appreciated, and we also receive huge support from individual companies who have sponsored each award.

“Having this support is vital and I must thank each sponsor and all those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to pull the event together.”