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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.

Jeffrey will be honored along with the rest of the Class of 2024, as part of 2024 Induction Weekend, April 19-20 in Henrico County. More information on events and support can be found at the link provided: https://vasportshof.com/2024-induction-weekend/

Past Recipients

2023, Joe Montgomery

2023 Distinguished Virginian Award recipient, Joe Montgomery with wife Linda
2023 Distinguished Virginian Award recipient, Joe Montgomery with wife Linda

2020, Dennis Ellmer

2020 Distinguished Virginian Award recipient, Dennis Ellmer (awarded in 2022)
2020 Distinguished Virginian Award recipient, Dennis Ellmer (awarded in 2022)

2013, Dr. Frank C. McCue, III

Dr. Frank C. McCue III
2013 Distinguished Virginian Award winner, Dr. Frank McCue III, (awarded posthumously)

2012, Elmon T. Gray

Elmon T. Gray
2012 Distinguished Virginian Award Recipient, Elmon T. Gray (awarded posthumously)

2011, G. Robert Aston, Jr.

2011 Distinguished Virginian Award recipient, G. Robert Aston, Jr.
2011 Distinguished Virginian Award recipient, G. Robert Aston, Jr.

2009, E. Claiborne Robins, Jr.

2009 Distinguished Virginian Award recipient, E. Claiborne Robins, Jr.
2009 Distinguished Virginian Award recipient, E. Claiborne Robins, Jr.
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