Jack Berry speaks at the announcement of the inaugural RVA Sports Awards

The Richmond Region Tourism Foundation announces plans to celebrate the best of the area’s sports scene.

The group will launch the “RVA Sports Awards” on February 5, 2022. The awards were announced at a launch ceremony on Thursday at Richmond Raceway.

The categories awarded include male and female athletes of the year, a coach and team of the year, a moment of the year and a community champion.

Some are decided by a panel, others by local fans. The ceremony will be broadcast by WTVR on CBS 6.3, with a half-hour special closing the event the following week.

“I think all of this solidifies our region as a welcome partner in the sports industry,” said John Vithoulkas, Henrico Country Manager.

The presenting sponsor of the awards is Rosie’s Gaming Emporium and Colonial Downs.

A portion of the proceeds will go to the Richmond Region Tourism Foundation’s Sports Tourism Grant initiative, which provides groups with grants to help grow and develop sports tourism events in the area.

There will also be a scholarship program to support one student each year in sports-related programs in the state of Virginia and at the VCU.

Sports tourism is an important part of the region’s economy.