15 Sep 2026

Spirit of Sport and Recreation Award nominations open as 2026 Annual General Meeting confirmed for 12 November

Spirit of Sport and Recreation Award nominations open as 2026 Annual General Meeting confirmed for 12 November news article image

Nominations for the Alliance’s Spirit of Sport and Recreation Award have opened ahead of this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will be taking place on 12 November.

Formerly known as the Emeritus Award, the Spirit of Sport and Recreation Award has been presented for 23 years to inspirational volunteers in the sector who have dedicated their lives to ensuring people are able to feel the huge benefits of sport and recreation at the grassroots level.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of grassroots sport and recreation, giving their time, energy and expertise to keep clubs, activities and communities thriving. Their contribution is invaluable, and we want to ensure those who make a difference at every level have the opportunity to be recognised.

Nominating someone for this prestigious award couldn’t be simpler – just fill in the nomination form below (or open it in a new window) by 23:59 on Friday 2 October.

Last year’s winner was Steve Greatorex, a lifelong volunteer who has helped ensure that disabled people have access to the huge benefits of participating in sport.

Although he primarily coaches wheelchair basketball, he has helped to provide opportunities for people to play boccia, new age kurling, wheelchair rugby, caving, walking, swimming and more. He is an incredible advocate for the benefits of sport, and has helped to develop international-standard players alongside grassroots participants, making him a thoroughly deserving winner of the award.

More information about the Alliance's Annual General Meeting will be available soon.

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