#COLUMBUSSPORTS

Social1-EventPlanner-GCSC-0324v1 Social2-EventPlanner-GCSC-0324v1 Social3-EventPlanner-GCSC-0324v1 Social4-EventPlanner-GCSC-0324v1

COLUMBUS SPORTS
COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD

Sports are powerful. They bring people together, connect communities and create unforgettable moments. Through our work bringing sports events to Columbus, we’ve seen people go above and beyond to give back. Let’s shine a spotlight on those that make a difference through sports.

CELEBRATING INDIVIDUALS THAT GIVE BACK THROUGH SPORTS

Columbus Sports Community Champion - Primary Logo - .png
 

AWARD DESCRIPTION

The Columbus Sports Community Champion Award began in 2025 as a way to honor individuals that elevate the community through sports. From coaches and athletes to volunteers, parents, officials and more, these Community Champions are making a difference both on and off the field. A new honoree is named each quarter. You can vote below for current finalists or nominate someone for next quarter here.


NOMINATION CRITERIA

  • This person contributes philanthropically within their community
  • This person (or group) brings sporting opportunities to underserved communities
  • This person (or group) make sports accessible for everyone
  • This coach/athletic director/program leader/etc. Has had a long-lasting and personal impact on their athletes beyond on-field performance  

NOMINATION FORM

SUMMER 2026 NOMINATIONS OPENING SOON

Nominees are reviewed by the award committee and up to five finalists are chosen each quarter to move on to the voting phase. Nominations are closed now but will open for Summer in the coming weeks.

MEET THE SPRING 2026 NOMINEES

Get to know this quarter’s nominees, then cast your vote.

 

DOUGLASS DUMAS →

DOUGLASS DUMAS

Douglass Dumas, Administrator and Head Coach for the Columbus Knights Youth & Adult Wheelchair Basketball Teams

Douglass Dumas created the Columbus Knights youth and adult wheelchair basketball teams after a 25-year career as a wheelchair athlete competing nationally in sports such as wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis and wheelchair softball.

As a coach, Doug’s aim is to pass on the knowledge he has gained throughout those years as well as teach life lessons that our youth disability community needs as they navigate through life. He teaches them that in life we all take W’s and L’s, but the L never stands for “loss.” Instead, it stands for “lessons” because we either win or we learn. The only way we ever lose is if we give up.

When he is not coaching, Douglass works for the City of Columbus’ Recreation and Parks Department.

Columbus Knights

VINCE KENDALL →

VINCE KENDALL

Vince Kendall, OHSAA Official/Sales Executive

Vince Kendall, a Cleveland, OH native from a proud sports and military family, developed a passion for sports early in his life. As a two-sport athlete playing basketball and baseball until high school, Vince later discovered a love for officiating at the University of Cincinnati under the mentorship of Amy Fawcett.

After graduating in 2011, Vince moved to St. Louis to build a career and support his family, but his passion for officiating never faded. Upon returning to Ohio in 2021, Vince committed himself to pursuing officiating.

Vince is now entering his third season as an OHSAA basketball official and recently achieved Level 1 certification. He works as a senior sales executive at City Wide Facility Solutions and is a proud husband and father of three daughters. Vince continues to grow in the officiating profession with a focus on development, integrity and player safety.

HANNAH MCCORKLE →

HANNAH MCCORKLE

Hannah McCorkle, Director of Marathoners in Training at Fleet Feet Columbus

Hannah McCorkle is the Director of Marathoners in Training (MIT) at Fleet Feet Columbus, where she leads one of the region’s most impactful and uplifting community running programs. She’s deeply passionate about creating inclusive, welcoming spaces where runners and walkers of all backgrounds feel supported, celebrated and capable of more than they ever imagined. Guided by her belief that every pace has a place, Hannah brings contagious energy and heart to helping people surprise themselves, from their very first mile to their 100th finish line.

She leads with the conviction that we already have everything we need within us to achieve big things, that we are made of all the right stuff exactly as we are, and worthy of the goals we chase. That belief comes to life in every workout or event she leads as she fosters a community rooted in encouragement, accountability and connection. She’s inspired by the human stories behind the sport—the small wins, the big breakthroughs and everything in between—and is committed to helping people change their lives one mile at a time while building a Columbus running community that feels joyful, accessible and rooted in true belonging.

Fleet Feet Columbus

 
 

 

 

Since the Greater Columbus Sports Commission was founded in 2002, Columbus has hosted more than 1,375 events that have generated more than $1.8 billion in direct visitor spending. That includes more than 700 new events, responsible for more than $850 million in direct visitor spending.  

Learn Our Story.

Previous Community Champions

View All

Columbus Sports Community Champion - Primary Logo - .png