Celebrating twelve years of inclusive sporting achievements.
This year marks the twelfth anniversary of the Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Awards (VDSR Awards) – a celebration of the achievements of sportspeople with disability, the coaches, organisations, officials and volunteers who support them and the inclusive sport and recreation sector across Victoria.
On Tuesday 23 November, in front of 120 people at PwC Southbank, the Victorian disability sporting community celebrated the achievements of our homegrown sporting heroes and legends and all those who work hard behind the scenes to help them get there.
The VDSR Awards are an opportunity to discover unsung heroes and rising stars and celebrate what’s truly great about accessible and inclusive sport.
"Last night’s event was a fantastic way to reflect on the incredible talent, initiatives and individuals that contribute to an inclusive sport and recreation sector in Victoria. These achievements support greater choice, access and ultimately participation for people with disability. This was particularly important as we look forward to the upcoming International Day of People with Disability on 3 December and further opening up of restrictions. After an online version of the awards in 2020, and many activities and programs hindered by lockdowns during 2021, it was wonderful to return to a face-to-face celebration,” said Disability Sport & Recreation CEO, Richard Amon.
This year the Awards also paid tribute to the life of Bruno Moretti, who passed away recently and was a co-founder of Disability Sport & Recreation nearly 60 years ago.
Entrants in the Awards are nominated by state sporting associations, regional sport assemblies, local government, teammates, club members, coaches or their local community in recognition of their outstanding contribution to inclusive sport and recreation. This year’s event also focused on many initiatives that allowed the community to remain active and connected over the past 18 months.
“The outstanding nominations received always makes selecting the finalists a difficult decision. With so many high calibre nominations this year, it doesn’t matter whether you received an award or not – you’re all winners in our eyes.” said Amon.
Winners of the 2021 Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Awards are:
Everyday Independence Lifetime Achievement Award
· Kaye Speed OAM - Blind Sport and Recreation Victoria
My Sport Live Sportsperson of the Year
· Ben Fawcett - wheelchair rugby
Marg Angel Junior Sportsperson of the Year
· Kirra Wright - athletics
Masters Sportsperson of the Year
· Jason Lees - wheelchair rugby
Administrator of the Year
· Tim Marchinton - SOLVE Disability Solutions
Carbine Club Coach of the Year
· Ian Bridge - Para-Badminton
PwC Volunteer of the Year
· Samir Mahir - Blind Sport and Recreation Victoria
VicHealth Initiative of the Year - Sport
· Creating a Positive Experience for Athletes with Autism in Gymnastics workshop - Gymnastics Victoria
VicHealth Initiative of the Year - Active Recreation
· All Abilities Physical Activity Challenge - GippSport
Polytan Inclusive Sport, Recreation or Open Space Infrastructure
· SOLVE Disability Solutions – building development
Nominations for the 2021 VDSR Awards are for achievements, initiatives, programs, activities and developments that took place between January 2020 and June 2021.
More information is available here: https://www.dsr.org.au/vdsr-awards
This event is proudly supported by major sponsors Polytan and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) and event supporters Everyday Independence, the Carbine Club, the Victorian Government, My Sport Live, VicHealth, Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, Mobility Plus, Box Hill Institute, WorkSafe Victoria, Mable and Craig Wetjen Photography.
About Disability Sport & Recreation
We are a for-purpose organisation with a proud history of over 59 years of supporting Victorians with disability to get physically active. Our mission is to provide and promote positive health outcomes for people with a disability through participation in sport and recreation. Our vision is a community where there is access and equity for all.