Applications Open for Latvia’s “Sports Teacher of the Year 2026” Contest

Latvia’s Ministry of Education and Science (IZM) has announced its annual contest “Sports Teacher of the Year 2026”, aimed at raising the profile and recognised importance of the sports teacher in shaping a healthy, physically active and well-rounded younger generation. The ministry is accepting applications until 16 November 2026.

Who can nominate

A nomination may be submitted by the director, or the deputy director for teaching, of a state or municipally founded general basic education, general secondary education or vocational secondary education institution. Sports teachers may also apply themselves. Applications prepared in line with the contest regulations must be sent electronically to the e-mail address given by the ministry.

What will be assessed

The contest will evaluate a candidate’s experience, professional development and work in methodological associations. Participation in organising out-of-school and extracurricular physical activities, and in projects that promote physical activity, also counts, as do other criteria in the regulations related to a teacher’s professional work.

How the winner is chosen

In December, the jury will select the three highest-rated sports teachers, from whom the winner will be chosen. The award ceremony will take place on 13 January 2027 at the “Three Stars Award 2026” event. It has been organised for more than 20 years by the Latvian Olympic Committee, a non-governmental association, together with the ministry and the event’s official partners.

Last year’s winner

In 2025, the title went to Arvis Sprude, a sports and health teacher at the Indriķis Zeberiņš Kuldīga Primary School. The jury praised his contribution to developing sports curricula, his creative approach to organising lessons and the introduction of new methods, including digital tools and technology in PE classes. It singled out his movement programme “Kustību prieks” (“Joy of Movement”), which encourages children’s interest in physical activity and a long-term healthy lifestyle.

The contest regulations and further information are available from the ministry.