Nominations are now open for the Essex Activity awards 2026, celebrating the individuals, clubs, organisations and community champions who are making a difference through sport, physical activity and wellbeing across Greater Essex.
This year’s awards, sponsored by HolidayActivities, are particularly special as Active Essex celebrates 20 years of recognising sporting excellence and community impact through the Essex sports awards.
Residents are being asked to nominate individuals, organisations, clubs, workplaces and schools that have gone above and beyond to inspire and support their communities in becoming more active or achieved something outstanding in the past year.
Categories include Sports Personality, previously won by sporting stars such as Max Whitlock, Bethany Shriever and Michelle Agyemang, and Young Sports Personality where Alex Dowsett, Ellie Challis and Max Dowman have previously taken home the title. The awards will also honour dedicated volunteers through the Essex Activity Hero category, reflecting on those incredible unsung heroes in communities. Previous recipients include Lee Clark and parkrun’s Gerry McGovern, whose contributions helped strengthen connections through sport and physical activity.
Meanwhile categories such as Sports Club of the Year, Strengthening Communities Award and Active Employer of the Year will hope to celebrate the organisations using the power of sport and physical activity to transform lives and strengthen local communities. Popular categories such as Move With Us Champion, Inspiring Young Lives and Active Education Provider, recognise those who have gone above and beyond to create opportunities for children, and inspire other young people to embrace an active lifestyle.
Dr William Bird MBE, Chair of Active Essex said:
“The fact we’re celebrating 20 years of sports awards in Essex this year, is a triumph in itself, but every year I continue to be amazed by the incredible individuals, coaches, organisations and clubs that demonstrate outstanding commitment to helping people get active and discover the sport and activities they enjoy. I would encourage everyone to take a moment to nominate those making a difference in their community, so we can celebrate and recognise their exceptional contributions together.”
Marking two decades of inspiring stories, remarkable achievements and dedicated individuals, the annual event will honour some of Essex’s most inspiring individuals and organisations at an awards ceremony later this year. Whether it’s a motivating coach, a dedicated volunteer, an inspiring young person, an innovative school or a welcoming community group that are bringing people together through sport, the Essex Activity Awards are an opportunity to ensure their efforts receive the recognition they deserve.
Nominations close at midnight on Wednesday 30th September 2026.
To view the full list of categories and submit your nomination, visit the webpage: www.activeessex.org/essex-activity-awards-2026
