Washington’s Biggest Night Out for Sports
Created by legendary sports editor, Royal Brougham, and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer in 1935, the Sports Star of the Year Awards Show (SSY) has celebrated the achievements of Washington sports for nine decades.
Featuring a pre-show reception and live awards show, SSY has historically filled the ballrooms of Seattle’s finest hotels and theaters. Showcasing the athletes, coaches, and community members behind the most memorable sports stories, SSY is Washington's biggest night out for sports. Previous winners and special guests include Sue Bird, Gary Payton, Steve Largent, Doris Brown Heritage, Ken Griffey Jr., Apolo Ohno, Paul G. Allen, Kelsey Plum, Stefan Frei and more.
Teaser: 88th Annual Sports Star of the Year Awards Show presented by Microsoft
The Awards
The highest awards recognition of Sports Star and Sport Story of the Year have been presented to superstars like Sue Bird, Ken Griffey Jr., Megan Rapinoe, Russell Wilson, Courtney Thompson and Apolo Ohno, along with significant storylines heralding the Seattle Storm WNBA Championships, Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl victory, and the stars added to the jerseys of Sounders FC players.
In addition to recognizing the accomplishments of our athletes and coaches, SSY celebrates the individuals who serve our sports community as media and as staff, through humanitarian efforts, or those that inspire us by overcoming major obstacles and excelling far beyond the status quo.
This night out for sports highlights the show-stopping and unforgettable moments in Washington sports, giving us the opportunity to relive the highs that excited us, the lows that united us, and honor our local teams, athletes, coaches and industry influencers.
Sports Star of the Year, Men’s Sports
Ken Griffey Jr. Apolo Ohno. Russell Wilson.
Washington athletes have been honored from a variety of sports over the last nine decades. The wonderful thing about Sports Star is the celebration of other key people in athletics, with the inaugural award going to referee Bobby Morris.
Sports Star of the Year, Women’s Sports
Sue Bird. Hope Solo. Courtney Thompson.
Since the introduction of the category, Sports Star of the Year has worked to acknowledge and celebrate the vast array of powerful athletes throughout women's sports.
Sports Story of the Year
Sounders FC. Seattle Storm. UW Rowing.
From the highest highs to the devastating losses, we feel each moment together as sports fans. This award celebrates the victories of our teams and the accolades of our athletes.
Royal Brougham Sports Legend Award
Named for the creator of Sports Star, this award is given to one honoree each year, selected by committee as someone who has excelled in their sport and exemplifies the spirit of our state. Named after the Sports Star creator and Sports Editor of the Seattle P-I, Royal Brougham determined to create a permanent home and celebration of those legendary moments that make Washington sports what it is.
Keith Jackson Media Excellence Award
Some of the most recognizable voices in Washington sports have received this award for excellence in communicating the sports stories of our state. The award pays homage to Keith Jackson, a WSU alum and beloved sports commentator. From hydroplane races to minor league baseball, Keith Jackson covered locally and as a celebrated national broadcaster for ABC Sports and ABC Radio.
Paul G. Allen Humanitarian Award
The recipient of this award is someone who has made an impact on the greater Seattle community through their philanthropic contributions or dedication to community. The award was given the moniker for lifelong sports fan and philanthropist, Paul G. Allen, who helped keep the Seattle Seahawks in Seattle when he bought the team, built our stadium and helped launch 2-time MLS Cup Champion Seattle Sounders FC.
Wayne Gittinger Inspirational Youth Award
Young athletes are the foundation of a vibrant sports community. Honorees in this category have overcome major obstacles to continue playing the sport they love. Named for Wayne Gittinger, a former UW athlete and avid UW fan. He and his wife endowed numerous student-athlete scholarships, mentored many young athletes, and were loyal champions of those young athletes that strive to persevere over adversity.
Sports Equity and Inclusion Award
Presented in partnership with King County Play Equity Coalition, the recipient is an individual or organization that has served the region by designing and implementing system level change to engage youth and families historically marginalized from sports. New in 2021!
Sports Leader of the Year Award
Returning for 87SSY, this honor is awarded to members of the sports community whose efforts have made direct and significant impact to the sports landscape, either through the building of a successful sports franchise, securing an impactful partnership, launching a new arena or other means.
