Havant Sports Association hold the Havant Borough Sport Association Sports Awards each year. They look for local businesses to sponsor the awards and is an important event in the local sporting calendar.

The Sports Association is a voluntary group whose aim is to “help local sports clubs and individuals grow and develop their sports, share best practice and raise the profile of sport in the area.” There are 17 sports clubs from across the Borough affiliated with the Havant Sports Association.

They offer Bronze, Silver and Gold sponsorship options, and give out around 17 awards. Comserv have been the Gold Sponsor for the Young Volunteer Award for the past two years. The winner of this award has to:

  • have demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment to their sport/club
  • have made a significant impact on their club/organisation/sport through volunteering
  • have demonstrated a positive and ‘professional’ attitude

The Awards take place in early February at Havant Leisure Centre hosted by Andy Moon from BBC Radio Solent. They are attended by representatives from the all the clubs, and are supported by the Mayor of Havant, and Alan Mak the Member of Parliament for Havant.

The winner of the Young Volunteer Award in 2024 went to Hannah Smith from the Special Olympics South East Hants. Hannah began volunteering six years ago when she was undertaking her Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) award. However, since she completed her DofE, she has continued to attend weekly sessions in support of the athletes.

Hannah is the official Team Photographer and Social Media Coordinator. She has also begun an official training programme with UK Athletics to become an Assistant Coach.

The Special Olympics Great Britain (GB) is a non-profit organisation and is the largest provider of year-round sports training and athletic competition in summer and winter sports for children and adults of ALL abilities with intellectual disabilities also known as learning disabilities. Where the Para Olympics are for those with physical disabilities, the Special Olympics are there for those with learning disabilities.



Left to Right, Mayor of Havant Rosy Raines, John Hogg, Chairman of Havant Borough Sports Association,
and Hannah Smith, winner of Young Volunteer of the Year 2023

Richard Cooper, Group Executive Manager for Comserv said:

“I value the opportunity to support the local sporting community within Havant, and our future sporting heroes. Playing sport helps individuals to learn teamwork, communication, resiliency, time management and critical thinking skills. It can also instil a strong work ethic. These are all skills that we look for in our employees and are keen to encourage at any age.”

In 2023 the Young Volunteer Award was 14 year old Harry Sackley who was nominated for his support as Sports Ambassador for Community Bowls

Harry was:

  • sports Ambassador at Park Community School and
  • contributed to developing community links with Bedhampton Bowls Club
  • was selected to compete the Level 2 Sports Leaders award due to his impressive application to sports ambassador events and training
  • a fantastic ambassador for all things sport!

Here is Harry receiving his award from the Mayor of Havant – Councillor Diana Patrick. Stood to the right of her is John Hogg, Chairman of Havant Borough Sports Association.