Cleveland Sports Awards to be virtual

For the first time, the annual Cleveland Sports Awards will be virtual.

On March 4, the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards will be aired on WKYC and SportsTime Ohio at 7 p.m., a shift made necessary due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The event, which is normally held at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel, will now be broadcasted virtually in an hour-long presentation featuring award finalists along with guest appearances from current and former national sports celebrities.

Ticket packages for the event are available now and can be purchased at the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission’s website. Ticket purchasers will receive access to access to exclusive pre-show events at 6 p.m. on March 4 that will feature local and national sports celebrities. Purchasers of the highest level of tickets will be able to attend a virtual event the week prior that will feature former Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar, among others

Award nominations will be selected from the following categories: Male high school athlete of the year, female high school athlete of the year, male collegiate athlete of the year, female collegiate athlete of the year, professional athlete of the year, humanitarian of the year, Cleveland Clinic Sports Medicine Courage Award and best moment in Cleveland sports. Additionally, the show will also focus acts of humanity, courage and community focus from the past year.

Last year, UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic was named professional athlete of the year, narrowly beating out Browns running back Nick Chubb, Indians catcher Roberto Perez and Cavs guard Collin Sexton.

On the high school level, former Gilmour girls basketball star Naz Hillmon won female collegiate athlete of the year while Bay soccer player Kyle Cusimano won male high school student athlete of the year.

The event will also feature a high-value silent auction along with a 50/50 raffle.