Celebrating Medway’s Sporting Success

Medway Development Company (MDC) is delighted to be the headline sponsor of the 2026 Medway Sports Awards, which recognises the achievements of local sportspeople, clubs, coaches, schools and volunteers. 

Taking place on Friday 11^th December at the Rochester Corn Exchange, the awards will celebrate sporting success across Medway, from grassroots participation to national and international competition.  

This year’s ceremony will be hosted by ITV Meridian’s Joe Coshan and sports broadcaster and journalist Matt Thacke. Both have strong links to Medway and its sporting history, with extensive experience reporting on grassroots, amateur and elite sport. 

The awards will also see two iconic Medway sportspeople, Karol Itauma and Kat Driscoll, formally inducted into the Hall of Fame. 

Karol discovered boxing in Chatham aged 13 and went on to become a Youth Olympic Gold medallist before beginning a professional career with leading promoter Frank Warren. Following his retirement from boxing in 2024, he has continued to play a key role in sport and wellbeing in Medway through local business ventures and his involvement with Team Itauma. 

Chatham-born trampolinist Kat Driscoll represented Great Britain at both the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games, becoming the first British trampolinist to compete at two Olympics. A European Games silver medallist and multiple World Championship medallist, she retired from competition in 2021 and now works within British Gymnastics’ performance team.

Lewis Small, Managing Director of Medway Development Company, said, “Medway has a strong sporting heritage, and the Sports Awards provide an important opportunity to recognise the talent, commitment and hard work of the people who contribute to sport across our community. As a company working to support Medway’s regeneration and future growth, we’re pleased to sponsor an event that celebrates local achievement and the positive role sport plays in bringing people together.” 

The Medway Sports Awards are sponsored by Medway Development Company, MidKent College, The Laurence Plummer Foundation, Infinite Office Solutions and Matrix.