Outstanding grassroots administrators in Victoria have been recognised as part of the State Government’s 2008 Sport and Recreation Awards. This year’s awards attracted the highest ever number of nominations, with more than 220 entries across the ten categories received - almost a 40 per cent increase on the previous year.
UNSUNG HEROES OF GRASSROOTS SPORT RECOGNISED
Monday, 06 October 2008
The tireless efforts of unsung sports heroes from across Victoria were recognised tonight with the presentation of the Brumby Government’s 2008 Sport and Recreation Awards. Sport and Recreation Minister James Merlino presented former footballer Max Kelleher of Abbotsford and former lifesaver Barbara Morgan of Point Cook with the top honour of the night, the Minister’s Award for Lifetime Achievement, who were among ten other winners.
Mr Merlino said the annual Sport and Recreation Awards, held at the MCG Members’ Dining Room, were a great opportunity to celebrate the outstanding work of organisations and individuals right across Victoria’s vast sporting landscape.
“The Brumby Government is taking action to ensure all Victorians have every opportunity they need to encourage healthy, active involvement in sport and recreation,” Mr Merlino said.
“Sport and recreation in Victoria is so strong because of the hard work and dedication of the unsung heroes working behind the scenes – those who give up their time to do the many jobs supporting the wide range of sport played around the state every weekend.
“It is this commitment and passion that brings communities together and encourages people of all ages and abilities to lead a more active, healthy and involved lifestyles.”
Mr Merlino said this year’s awards had attracted the highest ever number of nominations more – than 220 entries across the ten categories were received – almost a 40 per cent increase on the previous year.
“It was pleasing to see members of our thriving sporting community wanting to recognise the contribution and involvement of their coaches, family, friends and colleagues, who have helped to create opportunities for people to participate in sport and physical activity,” he said.
“Providing more opportunities for people to stay healthy and active is what the Brumby Government’s $150 million Go for your life campaign is all about – getting more Victorians involved in sport and recreation in their local community.
“Tonight’s winners provide inspiration for others to pursue their ambitions on Victoria’s sporting fields and for that they should be congratulated.”
The 2008 awards were sponsored by Victoria University, AFL Victoria, Connex, the Herald Sun, Deakin University and V/Line.
A list of winners is below. A booklet with all winners and finalists can be downloaded from www.sport.vic.gov.au
2008 SPORT AND RECREATION AWARDS WINNERS
Category Nominee Region Amateur's Achievement Glen Eira Junior Soccer Club Carnegie Club and Organisational Management Whitehorse Gymnastic Club Burwood Heights Community Event Lap the Lakes Newborough Community Facility Design You Yangs Regional Park Mountain Bike Areas Bacchus Marsh ‘Go for your life’ Community Participation Up the Garden Path Project Warrnambool Minister's Award for Lifetime Achievement Barbara Morgan Point Cook Minister's Award for Lifetime Achievement Max Kelleher Abbotsford
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