Active Essex is delighted to bring back the Essex Activity Awards on Thursday 3rd December, for a landmark year celebrating 20 years of recognising the people and organisations making a difference through physical activity, sport and wellbeing across Greater Essex. As one of the county’s most inspiring evenings of the year, the awards shine a spotlight on the dedication, passion and innovation that help create healthier, happier and more connected communities.

Bringing together athletes, coaches, volunteers, schools, organisations, employers, sponsors and partners, the event celebrates the remarkable achievements of those championing active lifestyles and improving lives across the county. More than an awards ceremony, it is an opportunity to showcase the power of physical activity in supporting physical and mental wellbeing, recognise collective success, strengthen partnerships and inspire even more people to get active.

As we mark this special 20-year milestone, we look forward to celebrating the individuals and organisations whose impact continues to shape a more active, healthy and vibrant Greater Essex.

A huge thank you to HolidayActivities for being the Headline Sponsor of this years Essex Activity Awards.

As the dedicated booking platform behind the Essex ActivAte HAF programme, HolidayActivities helps thousands of children and young people access free holiday activities, enriching experiences and nutritious meals during the school holidays. We are proud to have their support as we celebrate the people and organisations creating a more active, healthy and vibrant Greater Essex.

Learn more about them here.

Introducing Our 2026 Categories

Sports Personality of the Year

An individual who has made a significant achievement in the last year in their chosen sport or discipline. This can be at a national or international level and either individually or as part of a team. Open to all athletes – non-disabled and those with a disability.

Must be aged 18 or over on 1st September 2026.

Young Sports Personality of the Year

An individual who has made a significant achievement in the last year in their chosen sport or discipline. This can be at a national or international level and either individually or as part of a team. Open to all athletes – non-disabled and those with a disability.

Must be aged under 18 on 1st September 2026.

Essex Activity Hero

A volunteer who has made an outstanding contribution to local sport or physical activity. This could be a dedicated individual who you feel deserves recognition for their commitment to supporting and developing opportunities for residents in Essex to get active.

Must be aged 18 or over on 1st September 2026.

Strengthening Communities Award

An organisation, project or group who use physical activity and sport as engagement tool, making a positive impact on their community. They support their community to promote stronger connections, and ensures their offer is inclusive. They may work with specific groups such as disability, ethnic diverse communities, women and girls or other underrepresented group, ensuring the opportunity is accessible for all.

Sports Club of the Year

A sports club who has been able to provide organised sport and physical activity opportunities, keeping their members engaged and have encouraged individuals to try something new. This club has achieved great things this year or made some stand out changes to make their opportunities accessible for all.

Active Education Provider

A school, early years or further education setting that gives its pupils a wide range of opportunities to participate in high quality physical education and extra-curricular sport. They will help young people understand and embrace daily exercise as beneficial to their health and wellbeing at school and beyond the academic years.

Find Your Active Wellbeing Award

An instructor, organisation or group who have helped you move for your mind and supported the wellbeing of residents in Essex using physical activity. This has in turn positively impacted participants mental and emotional health.

Active Employer of the Year

A workplace, team or organisation who have encouraged staff to get active. The team may be generating innovative ideas and opportunities to change sedentary behaviour or promote better physical and mental wellbeing.

Move With Us Champion

A young person under the age of 18, who is a volunteer, young leader or champion of physical activity with their friends, in the community or at a local club. They may motivate, inspire and promote physical activity to others, or volunteer in their local community for their own and others mental and physical health.

Inspiring Young Lives

A physical activity provider for young people who have provided exceptional opportunities for young people throughout the year and continue to go above and beyond. Not only do they support the young people but their families across their community, using physical activity.

Download our Essex Activity Awards FAQs 2026 here.

Download the Essex Activity Awards Terms and Conditions 2026 here.

Active Essex

Our 2026 Sponsors

Essex Activity Awards 2025

Last year, the Essex Activity Awards celebrated the people and organisations helping to create a more active, healthy and vibrant Greater Essex. With almost 800 nominations received across 10 categories and more than 4,200 public votes cast, the awards showcased inspiring achievements from across the county.

The winners were announced at a special ceremony held at Hatfield Place on Thursday 4th December, hosted by Charlie Frost, ITV News Presenter, and Danny Crates, Paralympic Gold Medallist. Supported by Headline Sponsor Matchroom, the evening brought together partners, volunteers, athletes and community leaders to celebrate the positive impact of physical activity, sport and wellbeing.

Read more about how the night unfolded here.

Take a look at the highlights from the evening below!