The Hon Rod Kemp was Minister for the Arts and Sport from Friday 23 November 2001 to Tuesday 30 January 2007. This site is available for archival purposes only.

Recognising our unsung heroes and quiet achievers - 2006 Ausport Awards

As the Commonwealth Games draws closer and we prepare to celebrate medallists standing on the winners’ podium, the unsung heroes and quiet achievers of Australian Sport will be recognised in a special awards presentation only days before the opening ceremony.

The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp, today called for nominations for the 2006 Ausport Awards, which recognise, reward and showcase the outstanding contribution sporting groups and individuals make to the Australian sports system.

The Australian Sports Commission’s (ASC) 2006 Ausport Awards will recognise those individuals and groups who have helped to boost and strengthen Australian sport through key areas such as effective administration, officiating and coaching.

“I think it is important to recognise our unsung heroes and quiet achievers in Australian sport just as much as we celebrate our athletes standing on the winners podium in March next year,” Senator Kemp said.

“The 2006 Ausport Awards, in their fourth year, recognise and reward the achievements, success stories and best practices of individuals and organisations who are dedicated to building a strong, robust and vibrant base for Australian sport.

“This includes sporting clubs and their members, community organisations, schools, local government agencies, and national and state sporting organisations located in metropolitan, suburban, rural and regional areas.

“Past winners have showcased wonderful examples of initiatives and programs that stand to benefit from the growth and development of our national sports system and high performance areas.” Senator Kemp said.

Anna-Louise Kassulke from Special Olympics Queensland, the winner of the ASC’s prestigious 2005 Ausport Prize and the Eunice Gill Memorial Award for coach development, is an inspiring role model. She pioneered coach education for people with a disability creating opportunities for these athletes to get involved in organised sport.

The Awards are part of the Australian Government’s broader commitment to the ongoing development of sport at all levels in Australia through its sports policy, Building Australian Communities Through Sport.

Presented in ten categories, the Ausport Awards recognise individuals and organisations who have demonstrated a commitment to the following principles: good practice in sport, greater grass roots participation, innovative and inclusive programs, quality sports business management and excellence in sports performance.

The 2006 Ausport Prize will be presented to the best overall of the ten category winners. Nominations close on Friday, 2 December 2005.

The 2006 Ausport Award winners will be announced at the Commonwealth International Sport Conference at the Moonee Valley Racing Club, Victoria on Saturday, 11 March 2006.

For more information on how to apply for the 2006 Ausport Awards, visit www.ausport.gov.au/events/ausportawards2006 or call 1800 000 685.

MELBOURNE
3 November 2005
Media contact: Michael Christo, 03 9650 7274 or 0409 040276