Newark and Sherwood Community and Sports Awards 2026 – Nominations opening 29 May

Newark and Sherwood District Council in partnership with Radio Newark is looking for incredible individuals, teams or groups who go above and beyond to support our community or champion the growth of sports.  You can nominate a friend, family member, team, individual, teacher, an employee at your favourite store, in fact anyone who shines in your eyes for one of the awards.

Once you have chosen your amazing person, business, team or group for an award, you’ll be able to simply fill in a form and it’ll go to the nomination panel to choose a winner. Nominations will be open until Friday 3 July, via the Newark and Sherwood District Council website at https://www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/communityandsportsawards/ - please note your nomination will not be accepted if entered before Friday 29 May.

There are 13 award categories, and you can nominate a person or team for more than one award. The categories are:

Business Commitment to the Community (Sponsored by Newark Business Club)
Do you know a business which goes the extra mile for the community, has a positive impact on the local area, inspires others to get involved, or takes responsibility in helping make where you live a better place?

Young Person of the Year, up to age 17 (Sponsored by Murphy)
This award is about acknowledging inspiring young people who have fought hard to overcome adversity, who selflessly strive to go the extra mile, show exemplary courage or give to others without thought of return.

Citizen of the Year (Sponsored by GXO)
Do you know a kind-hearted individual who goes the extra mile to help others in times of need or crisis?  These citizens are a true inspiration and an asset to the local community with their optimism and willingness to help others.

Community Champion of the Year (Sponsored by Newark College)
This award is about recognising those who dedicate time for the benefit of the community, who strive to make life more enjoyable for others, or can inspire those around them and rally a whole community into action!

Community Group of the Year (Sponsored by Ringrose Law)
If you know a group who has used their time, actions, talent and dedication to make a significant contribution to the Community, get nominating!

Education Provider of the Year (TBC)
Individuals who demonstrate outstanding educational success or support within a learning environment, influencing the lives of children and students. This could be a caretaker, after-school supervisor, a teacher or someone else in an educational setting!

Courage and Bravery (Sponsored by The Renaissance at Kelham Hall)
Nominate those individuals who do something amazing when it comes to showing great strength in exceptional, frightening or desperate circumstances. This could be someone who has been selfless with a heroic act, who has demonstrated strength and determination in a daunting situation, or who continually shows exemplary courage.

Emergency Services and Armed Forces Award (Sponsored by The Barcode Warehouse)
Do you know a permanent worker, volunteer or a veteran who goes the extra mile? This could be anyone on the frontline, from a volunteer first responder to a special constable, firefighter, someone who serves in the armed forces, or others within this sector.

Creating Change for Sport and Physical Activity Award (Sponsored by Active4Today)
This award recognises those who have gone above and beyond to help create vibrant, self-sufficient, physically active local communities, groups or teams in Newark and Sherwood.

Sports Team of the Year (Sponsored by Greencore)
If you know a team who have achieved significant change in local sport or physical activity or who are an asset to their community, get voting!

Sports Achiever of the Year (Sponsored by Smiths Timber)
This award recognises individuals that have demonstrated their ambition and focus on achieving the very best in sport. Do you know someone who has excelled in the participation of their chosen sport or physical activity? Then get voting!

Lifetime Commitment Award (Sponsored by Wright Vigar)
If you know an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to Newark and Sherwood, then please nominate them for this special award. We’ll be looking for an individual who strives to go the extra mile (and has so for a number of years), who inspires others or gives selflessly.

Irena Sendler Humanitarian Award (Sponsored by the Polish Cultural Institute London)
Do you know someone who puts others first and goes above and beyond to support their community?  Someone who has tirelessly helped others less fortunate, supporting the values of sacrifice and selflessness that Irena Sendler displayed when she helped save approximately 2,500 Jewish children from Poland during WWII? Get nominating for this special award today.

 

Last year’s winners can be viewed on the Newark and Sherwood District Council website at: https://www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/communityandsportsawards/

This year’s awards will take place on Friday 25 September at The Renaissance at Kelham Hall in Newark. Last year, thirteen worthy winners were awarded for their work in the community and sports with 300 guests in attendance.

Councillor Susan Crosby, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Leisure at Newark and Sherwood District Council, says: “We are fortunate to have outstanding sporting talent across Newark and Sherwood, and the Community and Sports Awards give us a chance to celebrate those achievements as a district. Please think of the individuals and teams you know who have gone above and beyond, whether that’s someone increasing participation in their local neighbourhood, an athlete delivering exceptional performances, or a team that brings people together and helps strengthen our community.

Their dedication and enthusiasm inspire us all, so let’s use this awards programme to recognise and thank those who make sport and community life better for everyone.”

Councillor Paul Taylor, “Our district is full of remarkable people who make a huge impact on our communities. Whether someone has stepped in to help a neighbour in an emergency, worked tirelessly behind the scenes at a sports club, or inspired others to get involved, these contributions strengthen our communities and deserve recognition. Often these efforts go unnoticed, so the Community and Sports Awards are a chance to say thank you and shine a light on those who give so much.

I’d also like to thank our sponsors and partners whose support makes this celebration possible. Their commitment helps us honour the individuals and groups across Newark and Sherwood.”

The Renaissance at Kelham Hall will host the awards and is a gold sponsor. Alex Hopkins, Director of Sales at The Renaissance at Kelham Hall, said: “We’re delighted to once again host the Newark and Sherwood Community and Sports Awards, and we can’t wait to celebrate the incredible stories that make this district so special.

The Renaissance at Kelham Hall is a fitting backdrop for recognising the people who lift our community. We’re especially proud to support the Courage and Bravery Award as a Gold Sponsor.”

Active4Today, a gold award sponsor, sponsoring the Creating Change for Sport and Physical Activity Award, are keen to ensure our incredible sports stars shine. Councillor Andy Freeman, Chair of Active4Today, said: “We’re proud to support the sporting life of Newark and Sherwood and to see so many residents giving their time and talent to keep our communities active. The awards are a great way to celebrate the achievements and commitment across the district over the past year, and the volunteers who make it possible.

We want our sporting stars to shine, and we hope residents will nominate the people and teams who inspire them.”

To nominate someone for an award, or to find out more, go to the Newark and Sherwood District Council website at: https://www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/communityandsportsawards/

We have one sponsorship package still available. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact communityengagement@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk