Created in 2012, the Governor’s State of Sport Awards celebrates Utah’s sports industry and honors excellence in high school, collegiate, adaptive, professional, Olympic and Paralympic sports. The Utah Sports Commission is the proud host of the Governor’s State of Sport Awards which has honored Utah’s finest athletes, teams, coaches, events, and numerous Utah sports icons.
“To me, my horse is an incredible athlete just as much as any Olympian or ball player and being honored with the athletes amongst those sports is amazing and I’m very thankful,” Otero said.
Pioneer Week honors and celebrates the time in the area when Brigham Young and a determined company of Mormon pioneers realized their dreams upon entering the Great Salt Valley.
Former Top Hand winners include WPRA barrel racers Jordon Briggs (2023) and Kassie Mowry (2024) along with PRCA team ropers Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp (2023) and tie-down roper Marty Yates (2024).
Utah is known as the State of Sport — and for good reason! Through the years of appreciation for adventure, Utah has carved out a distinct reputation as the premier sport destination for Olympic, professional, amateur and action sporting events. By leveraging their world-class venues and awe-inspiring backdrops, Utah also has an established reputation as a top international sports destination. In July of 2024, they were officially awarded the 2034 Olympic Winter Games marking the second time Salt Lake City has been chosen to welcome the world for the Olympic Games.
