Community nominations are now open to recognize outstanding athletes, teams, coaches, sport builders, and community leaders who inspire excellence, inclusion, and opportunity through sport.

NIAGARA, ON – October 2026 – Every champion has a story worth celebrating. Sport Niagara is proud to announce the launch of the Sport Niagara Champion Awards, a new signature regional recognition program honouring the exceptional individuals and teams whose passion, perseverance, and performance continue to shape Niagara's vibrant sporting community.

From remarkable athletic achievements to the dedication of coaches, volunteers, advocates, and community sport leaders, the Champion Awards will shine a spotlight on those who inspire excellence, champion inclusion, strengthen local sport, and make a lasting difference across Niagara's 12 municipalities.

"Every champion has a story, and across Niagara, there are extraordinary individuals whose passion, perseverance, and performance deserve to be celebrated," said Dan Kennedy, Executive Director of Sport Niagara. "Through the Sport Niagara Champion Awards, we want to recognize not only athletic achievement, but also the coaches, volunteers, advocates, and sport builders whose dedication strengthens our communities, removes barriers to participation, and inspires the next generation."

Celebrating Niagara's Sporting Champions

The Sport Niagara Champion Awards will recognize outstanding achievements, leadership, and contributions across seven award categories:

● Athlete of the Year – Recognizing exceptional athletic achievement and performance.

● Para Athlete of the Year – Celebrating outstanding athletic achievement and excellence in parasport.

● Team of the Year – Honouring a team that has demonstrated exceptional performance, teamwork, and success.

● Champion – Sport Builder – Recognizing individuals whose leadership and dedication have contributed to the growth and development of sport.

● Champion – Adaptive Sport Builder – Celebrating individuals whose leadership, innovation, and advocacy advance inclusive sport and recreation opportunities for people living with disabilities. This award recognizes those who break down barriers, build meaningful partnerships, and create lasting opportunities for participation and belonging through sport.

● Champion – Coach – Recognizing coaches whose leadership, mentorship, and commitment inspire athletes to achieve their full potential.

● Sport Ambassador – Honouring individuals whose contributions and advocacy have positively influenced Niagara's sporting community.

Niagara, It's Time to Nominate Your Champions! Sport Niagara is calling upon local sport organizations, clubs, schools, athletes, families, and community members to help identify and celebrate the individuals and teams who have made an extraordinary impact on sport throughout Niagara in 2026.

Whether achieving excellence on the provincial, national, or international stage, mentoring young athletes, advancing adaptive sport opportunities, or working tirelessly behind the scenes to strengthen community sport, these are the stories that deserve to be told.

Nominations are now open and will close on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST.

Finalists will be announced in December 2026 and celebrated at the inaugural Sport Niagara Champion Awards Breakfast on Friday, March 12, 2027.

The celebration will bring together athletes, coaches, sport organizations, community leaders, and partners from across Niagara to recognize outstanding accomplishments and the collective strength of the region's sporting community.

Passion | Perseverance | Performance More than an awards ceremony, the Sport Niagara Champion Awards represents a commitment to celebrating the people, achievements, and stories that define Niagara's sporting spirit.

Every champion deserves recognition. Every achievement deserves celebration. Every story has the power to inspire.

To learn more about the award categories, eligibility requirements, and nomination process, or to submit a nomination,
visit: www.sportniagara.ca/awards