Seminole County Sports Hall of Fame Accepting 2026 Nominations; Deadline Feb. 27

Nominations are open now through Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, for the Seminole County Sports Hall of Fame, giving local residents a chance to recognize athletes, coaches and other contributors who shaped sports across the county.

The Hall of Fame accepts nominations in four categories. The Athlete category is for current or former Seminole County residents who attained athletic excellence and are at least 35 years old. Contributors include coaches, officials, administrators, financial supporters, and members of the media. Legacy honors recognize athletes or contributors who were active prior to 1999. An Inclusion award recognizes outstanding athletes or contributors with intellectual, developmental, or other special needs. The committee also evaluates nominees’ off-the-field character, including sportsmanship and leadership: "The Committee also considers the nominee’s off-the-field character, including sportsmanship and leadership."

Residents can view criteria and obtain nomination forms on the county’s Hall of Fame page or request materials by email, phone, or mail. To request a form or to volunteer to serve on the selection committee, email mverses@seminolecountyfl.gov, call 407-665-1990, or write to 2200 North Street, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714. For general county business, Seminole County Government can be reached at 1101 E. 1st St., Sanford, FL 32771, 407-665-0000, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Hall of Fame Committee, established in 1982, is supported by Seminole County Parks and Recreation with staff resources and community outreach. The committee plans the Night of Champions each May, where inductees receive public recognition: "The Seminole County Parks and Recreation Department is proud to support the Hall of Fame Committee, established in 1982, through staff resources, community engagement, and the Night of Champions ceremony in May, where inductees receive public recognition." Committee volunteers are being recruited to help select the 2026 class and to help plan that ceremony; interested residents should contact the email above to sign up.

For Seminole County, the Hall of Fame nomination cycle is a civic window to celebrate local achievement and broaden recognition beyond varsity statistics. The Inclusion category in particular signals a countywide effort to honor athletes and contributors who have intellectual or developmental disabilities or other special needs, expanding the definition of sporting excellence and community contribution.

With the Feb. 27 deadline approaching, now is the time for teammates, coaches, families, and fans to gather supporting information and submit nominations. Successful nominees will be announced and honored at the Night of Champions in May, and volunteers who join the committee will help shape how Seminole County remembers and honors its sports heritage.