The Richmond region’s top athletes and sports leaders were recognized Saturday night at the RVA Sports Awards, an annual event hosted by the Richmond Region Tourism Foundation.

Olympic medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee served as the evening’s celebrity guest, while Kelli Lemon and Lane Casadonte guided the live ceremony before a crowd of 600 attendees.

The fourth annual event highlighted standout performances and contributions to local sports. Billy King of Sports Backers and Elizabeth Davis Middle School was named Coach of the Year, while Peggy Davis received the Community Champion Award. Sueellen Henneberry was honored with the Courage Story Award. Sportable and the National Wheelchair Basketball Association’s 2024 Championships earned Event Impact of the Year.

Gracie Ellis, a Randolph-Macon College softball player, was named Female Athlete of the Year, and Brandon Eike of Virginia Commonwealth University baseball received Male Athlete of the Year honors. The University of Richmond’s A-10 Title victory was recognized as Moment of the Year. Randolph-Macon College baseball was named Team of the Year. Avery Hurley of Colonial Heights volleyball received the Youth Athlete of the Year award and Salem Church Athletic Association Football 14U was honored as Youth Team of the Year.

“We’ve got an incredible sports community in the Richmond region,” said Danielle Fitz-Hugh, Richmond Region Tourism vice president of community relations. “We loved celebrating all of this year’s finalists and winners who make our region a better place through their work on and off our fields and courts.”

Proceeds from the event support the Richmond Region Tourism Foundation’s Sports Tourism Grant initiative, which funds local sports organizations to expand or develop events. This year, more than $42,000 in grant awards were distributed to 25 organizations, including the Ashland Youth Soccer League, First Tee Greater Richmond, Richmond Road Runners and Special Olympics Virginia.

In addition to grants, event proceeds fund scholarships for students in Virginia State University’s Sports and Hospitality Management Program and the Center for Sport Leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University.

The event was presented by Colonial Downs and Rosie’s Gaming Emporium. For more information visit RVASportsAwards.com.