Project Play Western New York (WNY) is now accepting nominations for its Coaches Honor Roll Awards and Dick Gallagher Lifetime Service Award are now open. Individuals and organizations from Western New York are invited to nominate youth sports coaches from non-scholastic programs for the recognitions. Nominations are open to Monroe County, as well as Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties.
To be considered for a Coaches Honor Roll Award, coaches must receive separate nominations from two or more people. Submissions should describe how the nominee demonstrates the qualities of a great youth sports coach who is focused on youth development, promotes sportsmanship, and demonstrates leadership and integrity. Coaches honored will also exemplify the values of Project Play WNY, which aims to provide a more inclusive and supportive environment for youth in the region.
The Dick Gallagher Lifetime Service Award recognizes an individual who has used their platform as a youth sports coach or youth sports organization leader to support, recognize and advocate for youth athletes both on and off the field, for a decade or more. The award honors the legacy of Dick Gallagher, a tireless youth sports advocate and Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame inductee, who also dedicated his professional life to helping young people struggling with addiction.
Nominations should be submitted online and are due August 31, 2025. The nomination forms for the Coaches Honor Roll and the Dick Gallagher Lifetime Service Award, as well as criteria and eligibility information, can be found at www.projectplaywny.org/thank-you-coach. Award winners will be announced in the fall and celebrated at the annual Thank You Coach event held in October in partnership with the Buffalo Bills.
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