12 May, 2017

Sports Awards recognises our local heroes

The City of Adelaide Sports Awards were held at the Adelaide Town Hall last night to celebrate those who have encouraged and inspired people to get involved in sport, as well as those who have been successful in their chosen sport.

This is the third year that the awards have been held and is part of the City of Adelaide’s goal to increase wellbeing and encourage more people to be physically active in the city. This year the event was again timed to coincide with National Volunteer Week (9-15 May).

Sunday Mail sports columnist Ben Hook MC'ed the event and was looking forward to hosting the nominees and their friends and families.

City of Adelaide Councillor Phillip Martin welcomed guests and nominees on behalf of the Lord Mayor Martin Haese, and presented the Lord Mayor’s Sport Volunteer of the Year Award. Councillor Martin praised the initiative that celebrates our local sporting heroes.

“The City of Adelaide is very pleased to recognise the achievements and contributions of individuals and organisations that make a difference to the health and well-being of people in our city and North Adelaide,” Councillor Martin said.

“Sport and recreation are a big part of the Australian lifestyle and participation is growing across the city, with around two million people involved with local community sporting and recreation groups and school sports groups a year.

“Congratulations to our award winners and finalists who all do a great job in promoting and supporting an active lifestyle within our community.”

All finalists and winners had their awards presented on the night by generous event partners including Beyond Bank, Rebel Sport (Rundle Mall), Clubs SA, the Back in Motion Health Group, H.I. Lighting, and Inclusive Sport SA who sponsor the inaugural Champion of Inclusion Award.

A full list of award categories and winners is included below:

2017 Sports Awards: finalists in each category

Beyond Bank Event/Program of the Year:
- Adelaide T12 Cricket Nations Cup 2016 (winner)
- BMX Sessions, Lighthouse Youth Projects
- TennisFest 2016

H.I.Lighting Coach or Official of the Year:
- Carlos Gonzalez (winner)
- Kosta Jaric
- Amanda Sheeky

Lord Mayor’s Sports Volunteer of the Year:
- Ron Russo (winner)
- Rebecca Law
- Michael Sheeky
- Gemma Kernich

Clubs SA Club of the Year:
- Adelaide Tritons Water Polo Club (winner)
- Adelaide University Volleyball Club
- Adelaide Bowling Club

Rebel Sport Athlete of the Year:
- Scott Thulborn (winner)
- Madeleine Steele
- Liam Bekric

Back in Motion Contribution to lifelong Physical Activity:
- Rick Baldock (joint - winners)
- Jon Harmer (joint - winners)
- Torrens parkrun

Inclusive Sports SA Champion of Inclusion Award:
- Urban Youth Services Football Life Program (winner)
- LINKUP Inclusive Football Academy
- Sean Holden – T12 Cricket Nations Cup
- Ben Flannagan

Paula Stevens