Victorians are being urged to nominate grassroots competitors, coaches and volunteers for recognition alongside elite performers in the 2019 Victorian Sport Awards.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula today announced nominations were open for the prestigious awards, jointly presented by the Andrews Labor Government and Vicsport.
Every individual, team, club and local council involved with sport and recreation throughout the state is eligible to be nominated. The awards are distinguished by highlighting excellence in community sport and recreation alongside achievements in national and international competition.
Winners of the marquee male and female athlete of the year awards in 2018 were snowboarder Scotty James and table-tennis star Melissa Tapper.
Female sports advocate Susan Alberti was honoured with the Outstanding Contribution to Sport award while Dean Vickerman was coach of the year for his work in taking Melbourne United to the NBL grand final series.
The Collingwood Basketball Association and Victorian Senior Aboriginal Football and Netball Carnival were among the community winners.
The 2019 Victorian Sport Awards categories are:
- Coach of the Year
- Community Coach of the Year
- Official of the Year
- Sports Community Official of the Year
- Sports Administrator of the Year
- Volunteer of the Year
- Community Sporting Club of the Year
- Masters Athlete of the Year
- Team of the Year
- Young Team of the Year
- Young Athlete of the Year
- Male Athlete of the Year
- Female Athlete of the Year
- Local Government Initiative of the Year
- Active Recreation Initiative of the Year
- Community Sporting Event of the Year
- Peter Norman Inclusion Award
- Outstanding Contribution to Sport
- Outstanding Media Coverage of Community Sport (new)
For more information and to submit a nomination, go to .
Nominations close on Saturday, November 30.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula
“These awards recognise local heroes as well as our world-beaters and that’s the great thing about the Victorian Sport Awards.”
“It’s important that we celebrate the people who do all the work behind the scenes – they deserve their moment in the spotlight as much as anyone.”