The awards program, founded in 2001, honors county youth, coaches and parents in each magisterial district 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. 

Nominations for this year's awards are due by August 18, 2023. To nominate an athlete, coach or parent, visit Stephen A. McLaughlin Fairfax County Champions of Character Awards.

The awards ceremony will be held on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, 7 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA.

The award has been renamed in honor of the late Stephen A. McLaughlin, the longtime Providence District Representative to the Fairfax County Athletic Council.

“Stephen McLaughlin was a champion for values and sportsmanship in Fairfax County,” said Athletic Council member Mark Meana. “Over the past three decades, the Athletic Council has forwarded many important recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on programs, policies, procedures, budget impacts, etc., and Steve was right in the middle of each one of those big projects. He promoted logic, consensus, authorship and presentation strategies, to name a few of his talents.”

Meana said that same character and commitment to good sportsmanship is something the council looks for the Champions of Character Award.

“These awards honor the best of the best, both on and off the field,” he said.

The Fairfax County Athletic Council serves in an advisory capacity to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, School Board and county agencies on matters relating to sports in Fairfax County. The council, comprised of 23 voting members, advises on policy and establishes priorities for enhancing the availability of sports programs to the citizens of Fairfax County.

Council appointees include one representative from each of the nine magisterial districts; a member-at-large; a representative from women’s sports programs; a diversity-at-large representative; representatives from the Towns of Vienna, Herndon and Clifton; and eight members appointed from the county’s eight sports-specific councils.

The Champions of Character Awards are presented in partnership with the Fairfax County Athletic Council with support from TD Bank.

For more information, visit Stephen A. McLaughlin Champions of Character Awards.