The Stephen A. McLaughlin Fairfax County Champions of Character Awards program honors youth, coaches and parents for extraordinary service in pursuing victory with honor on and off the field of competition. Instituted by the Fairfax County Athletic Council, this program aims to support the tradition of amateur athletics in cultivating teamwork, leadership, good sportsmanship and community service.

Awards are presented to a male and female athlete, coach and parent in each supervisory district for having demonstrated extraordinary service in the athletic community while modeling the basic traits of good character: Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Trustworthiness, Citizenship and Fairness.