Team Valley-based office technology company, SOS Group, has once again helped recognise and celebrate the people at the heart of grassroots sport from across the North East region.
SOS Group were main award sponsors of the Sport Newcastle Unsung Hero 2026 Awards, held at the home of Newcastle Redbulls, Kingston Park, where volunteers, coaches, officials and individuals from the region came together to receive their special recognition awards.
The awards help shine a light on the people who tirelessly dedicate their time and energy to grassroots sport, often working quietly behind the scenes to create opportunities for others to participate, compete and succeed.
Hosted by the Sport Newcastle volunteer committee, the event was attended by a range of athletes, volunteers, businesses and supporters from across the region and honoured people from different sports and communities for their dedication, passion and inspiring others through sport.
SOS Group Director, John Behan, helped present the awards and said: “We’re so proud to continue our long-term support for Sport Newcastle and the inspiring work they do to champion the next generation of local sporting heroes.
“As a business deeply rooted in the North East, and with a team of active sports enthusiasts within the company, we’re thrilled to continue our long running support of Sport Newcastle.
“The Unsung Hero awards typify what Sport Newcastle stand for and the awards really showcase what grassroots sport and the many dedicated people who give up their time to help young sports people achieve their dreams.”
Mathew Squires, Sport Newcastle Trustee and Head of Fundraising, said: “The Unsung Hero awards honour and celebrate the remarkable individuals who are the lifeblood of local sport.
“The continued support we receive from our partners, like SOS Group, enables us to not only to recognise and honour outstanding achievements, but allows us to back aspiring athletes, proactive community projects, ambitious clubs and forward-thinking coaches.
“It also allows us to showcase the very best of sport across the North East, from rising stars to the local heroes who inspire us all.”
The overall winners of the Sport Newcastle Unsung Hero Awards were Danielle Dickinson (Little Swimming Company), Jonathan Poulter (Serenity BJJ), Andrew Clark (Blyth Cricket Club), Hayden MacDonald (Sunderland Rowing Club), Jenny O’Neil (Eagles Community Foundation and South Tyneside Basketball Club), Harriet Lee (Tynemouth Amateur Swimming Club), Emily Betham (Tynemouth Swimming Club), Steve Beaty Snr (Cramlington Rockets RLFC), Will Maddison (Cramlington Rockets RLFC and Rockets Community Foundation) and Steve Abbot (Northumberland Badminton and Tyneside Badminton Centre).
During 2026, SOS Group will be helping deliver high profile events for clients including Swim England, Aquatics GB, British Universities and Colleges Sports, English Schools Swimming Association and UK Athletics.
Events can range from one day to two weeks in duration in venues as large as 13,000 square metres and requiring as many as 50 devices.
Last year, the company provided office technology solutions at events including the Swim England Open Water National Championships, the Aquatics GB Diving Championships and Novuna UK Athletics Championships.
The Gateshead-based firm was also recently awarded the contract to supply the European Athletics Championships 2026 being held in Birmingham.
Given their involvement in sport, the copy print scan specialists are strong supporters of all sporting talent, whether that is sponsoring individuals and teams or supporting inclusion.
Most recently, SOS Group has supported activities as diverse as lawn bowling, triathlon and basketball.
It also recently helped deliver the Riding Disability Association’s National Championships in Hartpury and has committed to supporting the event for the next five years.
The most inclusive equestrian event of its kind, over three days competitors took part in classes from dressage and show jumping to carriage driving and vaulting.
As well as helping ensure the event’s smooth running, SOS Group utilised Heat Free Epson devices to contribute to its sustainability.
SOS Group Director, Andrew Skelton, was on hand for the entire championships and said: “Each year, the Riding Disability Association supports an incredible 39,000 children and adults with disabilities.
“The equestrian activities enabled are enjoyable, sometimes competitive, and help boost mental and physical well-being, as well as building self-confidence.
“We’re proud to have supported the association since 2018 and look forward to the next five years.”
Established in 2002, SOS Group is an award-winning office technology company facilitating business requirements across all sectors and specialising in providing copy, print, scan solutions.
For more information on how SOS Group can support the needs of any business or event, please visit: www.sosgroup-ltd.co.uk