Distinguished Virginian

Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Distinguished Virginian Award

The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Foundation’s Board of Directors presents the Distinguished Virginian Award to an individual with a sports background who is a distinguished citizen of the Commonwealth based on outstanding life accomplishment. Each awardee, by personal example, exemplifies the best ideals and purposes of sport exhibiting superior leadership qualities in education, athletics, business or in the community.

2024 Recipient

Rick Jeffrey, a native of Richmond and graduate from Hampden-Sydney College, is the 2024 Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Distinguished Virginian Award recipient. Jeffrey’s impact on sports was felt across the Commonwealth during his 36 years with Special Olympics Virginia, the last 22 of those as President. The longest serving President in SOVA history, Jeffrey continually grew the number of sports offerings and competition experiences in Virginia, while helping the organization reach never before seen financial milestones and community impact measurements.