Nominations are now open for the 2018 Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Awards.
The awards recognise the accomplishments of people with disability, those who support them and the inclusive sport and recreation sector across the state.
It is an opportunity to celebrate the athletes, volunteers, officials, coaches, clubs, communities, venues and programs that enable and empower people with disability to get active and achieve their goals.
“These awards not only celebrate outstanding athletic achievement, but also showcase the sportsmanship, dedication, commitment and passion that continues to flourish in the disability sport and recreation sector,” said Richard Amon, CEO of Disability Sport & Recreation.
“It is also a forum to acknowledge the efforts of coaches and officials, the valuable contribution that volunteers make and to celebrate the achievements of those passionate individuals who strive to excel in their chosen discipline.
“I am extremely proud of the level of excellence shown, and the inspiration that generates throughout the community. Sport and recreation really can change lives.
“If you know someone who has made a difference to the lives of people with disability in your community, club, organisation or school, then now is the time to nominate them for these awards.
“We want to discover and recognise our unsung heroes and rising stars and celebrate what’s truly great about accessible and inclusive sport and recreation.”
The awards are not only for individuals and teams. The Initiative of the Year and Inclusive Sport, Recreation or Open Space Infrastructure Awards also showcase the innovations and infrastructure that have contributed to creating welcoming, inclusive spaces so that people with disability can engage with their community through taking part in sport and recreational activities.
Now in its ninth year, previous winners include Gold Coast Commonwealth Games gold medallist Isis Holt, Paralympians such as Dylan Alcott, Jessica Gallagher, Mitch Gourley, Carol Cooke, Nazim Erdem, Ellie Cole and Toby Kane, as well as local heroes Brenton Ponza, Gary Connor and the Jetz Balloon Football team.
Categories open for nominations that cover achievements, initiatives, programs,
activities and developments that took place between July 2017 and May 2018 (not including the Lifetime Achievement Award) are:
- Female Sportsperson of the Year
- Male Sportsperson of the Year
- Junior Sportsperson of the Year
- Masters Sportsperson of the Year
- Team of the Year
- Coach of the Year
- Official of the Year
- Volunteer of the Year
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Initiative of the Year
- Inclusive Sport, Recreation or Open Space Infrastructure Award
Anyone can nominate, with nomination forms and a nomination guide available online.
For help, call (03) 9473 0133 or email info@dsr.org.au
Nominations close on Sunday 27 May, 2018. The ceremony is on Wednesday 1 August, at Southbank.
The awards are supported by the Carbine Club and are an initiative of Disability Sport & Recreation, the peak body for disability sport and recreation in Victoria.