2026 Victorian Disability Sport & Recreation Awards

A Night of Celebration and Inspiration

On Tuesday, 25 August, 270 guests filled Marvel Stadium to celebrate 64 finalists at the 2026 Victorian Disability Sport & Recreation Awards. A night honouring the people, programs and communities championing inclusion through sport and recreation.

Lachy Wills returned as MC, joined by DSR CEO Liz Tesone, who captured the spirit of resilience, teamwork and passion that defines the community. Across every speech, there was a clear sense of admiration for fellow finalists and for the tireless work happening across the sector to make Victoria more inclusive.

" Each year, the VDSR Awards bring together the most inspiring stories and initiatives from our community, and this year was no less remarkable. It's a privilege to celebrate people who turn 'you can't' into 'watch us,' year after year."  - DSR CEO, Liz Tesone.

The 2026 Awards celebrated achievements across 11 categories, recognising the vital roles individuals, teams and organisations play in creating an inclusive Victoria. In some categories, dual winners or Highly Commended recognitions were awarded, a testament to the depth of talent across the sector. This year also introduced a new award, Regional Initiative of the Year, supported by Regional Sport Victoria, recognising outstanding work happening in every corner of the state.

The event's most prestigious accolade, the Kevin Coombs Lifetime Achievement Award, was presented to Peter Cullen AM of Reclink Australia. For more than 35 years, Peter has been breaking down barriers to sport and recreation as the founder of Reclink Australia. Today, the organisation runs:

• 350 sessions a week

• 20,000 people reached monthly

• 75 sports and activities

• 20%+ of participants living with disability

His practical, human approach to adapting sport has created genuine opportunities for people to belong, compete and represent their community. A legacy that continues to shape a more inclusive sporting landscape across Australia.

The 2026 Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Award recipients are: 

Volunteer of the Year Sponsored by Inspire Group 

• Tanya Twaits – Riding for the Disabled Association of Victoria 

Community Member of the Year Sponsored by  WorkSafe Victoria

• Peter Ogunyemi – Disability Sport & Recreation

Coach or Fitness Leader of the Year Sponsored by etrainu 

• Ryan Holloway – Victorian Men's Ivor Burge Team, Basketball Victoria

• Highly Commended, Debbie Coulson – The Geckos, Australian Deaf Women's Basketball Team

Team of the Year Sponsored by  My Sport Live 

• Victorian Men's Ivor Burge Basketball Team, Basketball Victoria

Marg Angel Junior Sportsperson of the Year Sponsored by Protect  

• Thomas McGough – Mornington Peninsula Athletics Club, Athletics Victoria

• Highly Commended, Jin Woodman – Hume Tennis and Community Centre, Tennis Victoria

  
  

Elite Sportsperson of the Year Sponsored by  In Place Living 

• Tara Neyland – AusCycling

• Hannah Macdougall – AusTriathlon and Victorian Institute of Sport

Inclusive Infrastructure Award (Sport, Recreation or Open Space) Sponsored by Carbine Club 

• Serendip Sanctuary, You Yangs Precinct – Parks Victoria

Regional Initiative of the Year Sponsored by Regional Sport Victoria

• Bowlopolis – Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling and GippSport

Sport Initiative or Event of the Year Sponsored by  Clublinks 

• VIC Accessibility & Inclusion Profile – Tennis Victoria

  
  

Active Recreation and Leisure Initiative of the Year Sponsored by  Reclink Australia 

• Strength in Diversity – Brotherhood of St Laurence

Kevin Coombs Lifetime Achievement Award 

• Peter Cullen AM - Reclink Australia

Thank you to our sponsors!

This event would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors.

Major sponsors WorkSafe Victoria and Bendigo Bank East Keilor, along with Protect,  In Place Living, Inspire Group, The Owl Insights, Reclink Australia, Clublinks, etrainu, My Sport Live and The Carbine Club.

 The award night photos by Matthew Morden of Morden Productions will be available shortly via our Facebook page.

Watch the live stream recording of the annual VDSR Awards, brought to you by My Sport Live HERE