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Nominations Now Open!
Victorian Disability Sport & Recreation Awards
Guidelines
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Nominations must pertain to achievements, initiatives, programs, activities, or developments that occurred between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025.
This eligibility period does not apply to the Lifetime Achievement Award.
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Previous winners, finalists and nominees are eligible to re-nominate in any category.
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Individuals, teams or organisations have the option to nominate themselves.
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Nominations will only be accepted if all required criteria has been addressed.
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A separate online nomination form must be submitted for each nominee.
Key dates
Nominations open
Monday 19 May
Nominations close
Monday 23 June
Judging
July
Awards ceremony
Tuesday 26 August
Judging Process
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All nominations will be reviewed to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria.
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If a person, team, or organisation is nominated without their knowledge, the organisers will contact them to confirm their acceptance of the nomination.
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The Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Awards judging panel, comprising of independent industry experts, will assess and score each nomination based on the information provided for each criterion.
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The judging panel will decide the winners of each award category based on the nominations with the highest combined scores.
Image Requirements
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A high-resolution headshot or image of the nominee, initiative, or facility is required for each nomination. The preferred format for the image is JPG or PNG.
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After submitting your nomination, you will receive an automatic email from awards@dsr.org.au requesting the image by return email.
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By providing the image, it is assumed that you have the necessary permission to share the image with the organisers of the awards.
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The information provided as part of the nomination process will be used solely for the purpose of carrying out the awards. However, the organisers reserve the right to use the information for promotional purposes related to the awards.
How to Nominate
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Select a Category
Review the award categories below and choose the one that best reflects the achievements of the individual, team, program, or organisation you wish to nominate.
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Click the ‘Nominate Now’ Button
Once you have selected the appropriate category, click the ‘Nominate Now’ button located beneath the category description.
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Complete the Nomination Form
You will be directed to a Microsoft Form. Please complete all required fields and provide detailed responses that clearly demonstrate the nominee’s impact and achievements.
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Ensure Your Nomination Is Well-Written
Strong nominations are clear, concise, and compelling. Use specific examples, measurable outcomes, and relevant details to support your submission.
The nomination form cannot be edited, consider using Microsoft Word, or similar, for drafting more lengthy responses (up to 250 words) to paste into the relevant fields in your submission.
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Submit Your Nomination
After reviewing your responses, click ‘Submit’ to finalise your nomination. You will receive a confirmation once your form has been successfully submitted.
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Send us a photo of Your Nominee!
Make sure to email us a photo of the nominee or team at awards@dsr.org.au
Award Nominations Close COB Monday 23rd of June
Kevin Coombs Lifetime Achievement Award
The award recognises the extensive and impactful contributions by an individual to their chosen discipline, sport, recreation, club or association in the disability sport and recreation sector, considering both the duration and scope of their involvement. The award represents the highest level of recognition by DSR.
Eligibility criteria
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Nominees must have made substantial and enduring contributions to the disability community across a significant period of their professional career or life.
Selection criteria
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The level of exceptional dedication by the nominee to advocating for the rights, inclusion and participation of people with disabilities in Victoria.
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The level of impact of the nominee's remarkable and enduring contributions throughout their career, focusing on their chosen discipline, sport, recreation, club or association in the disability sport and recreation sector.
Administrator of the Year
The award acknowledges a Victorian sport administrator who has exhibited exceptional accomplishments which support and promote active participation by people with disabilities in sport.
Eligibility criteria
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Nominees must be employed at a state sporting association, regional sports assembly, leisure provider or other community organisation in the disability sport and recreation sector.
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Nominees must hold a position in the disability sport and recreation sector which involves direct support and facilitation of active participation for individuals or groups with disabilities.
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Nominees employed in the disability sport and recreation sector at organisations not explicitly mentioned above who directly support people with disabilities to be active are also eligible for consideration.
Selection criteria
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The level of impact of the nominee's exceptional achievements in developing and delivering projects that enhance the participation and experiences of individuals and/or groups with disabilities in sport, demonstrating innovative and effective approaches.
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The level of impact of the nominee's contribution to the disability sport and recreation sector, considering the positive outcomes of their work supporting individuals and/or groups with disabilities to be active.
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The level of impact of the nominee's work in the community, considering their efforts to promote inclusivity, raise awareness and create positive social change through their contributions to the disability sport and recreation sector.
Volunteer of the Year
The award acknowledges the remarkable contribution made by a volunteer to the disability sport and recreation community.
Eligibility criteria
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Nominees must be recognised by a national sporting body, club or other community organisation as a volunteer in the disability sport and recreation sector in Victoria.
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Nominees must have not received payment for their work as a volunteer. Please note; reimbursement of volunteering-related expenses does not constitute payment.
Selection criteria
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The level of impact of the nominee's exceptional dedication to their chosen discipline, sport, recreation, club or association, as exhibited in their volunteer work.
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The level of impact of the nominee's significant contribution to the sport and recreation sector, advancing participation by people with disabilities in Victoria.
Team of the Year
The award recognises a Victorian sports team comprised of people with disability that has performed exceptionally, as evidenced by its sporting accomplishments.
Eligibility criteria
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The team must be officially recognised by their state sporting association as a Victorian state team.
Selection criteria
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The team’s level of success, considering its achievements, records, rankings and any other notable accomplishments within its respective sport.
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The team's level of cohesion, teamwork and collaboration exhibited whilst working effectively to achieve both its goals and outstanding results.
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The team’s level of sportsmanship, fair play and adherence to the values of integrity and ethical conduct.
Community Team Member of the Year
The award recognises a significant contribution made by a team member to promoting safe, fair and inclusive sport in their community.
Eligibility criteria
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Nominees must be residents of Victoria.
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Nominees must work in their community, in a paid or voluntary capacity, as a team member within the disability sport and recreation sector.
Selection criteria
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The level of impact of the nominee’s work using sport as a vehicle to drive positive change or their dedication to prioritising diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), in the disability sport and recreation sector. This includes their work on initiatives, programs and/or projects promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in their community.
Coach/Fitness Leader of the Year
The award recognises a Victorian coach or fitness leader in the disability sport and recreation community who has either made a significant contribution to their club/association or has achieved outstanding coaching performance involving teams or individual athletes.
Eligibility criteria
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Nominees must be accredited as a coach (employee or volunteer) under a recognised national or state sporting body.
Selection criteria
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The nominee’s level of impact on their club, organisation, local community and/or school, as evidenced by both their achievements and that of their teams or individual athletes.
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The nominee’s level of contribution to the coaching community in their sport, such as sharing knowledge, mentoring or actively participating in coaching development programs.
Sport Initiative/Event of the Year
The award recognises an organisation, individual or group that has established a sustainable initiative, program or event aimed at facilitating the participation of Victorians with disabilities in sporting activities.
Eligibility criteria
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The award is open to initiatives operating on either a regional, metropolitan Melbourne or state-wide level in Victoria.
Selection criteria
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The extent to which the initiative has positively impacted the local community, benefiting Victorians with disabilities and fostering inclusivity in sport.
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The extent to which the initiative's innovative strategies and practices encourage and enhance the participation of individuals with disabilities in sporting activities.
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The extent to which the approach of the initiative is unique and original, reflecting innovative thinking and creative solutions to promote accessible and inclusive sporting activities.
Active Recreation and Leisure Initiative of
the Year
The award acknowledges an organisation, individual or group that has established a sustainable initiative or program aimed at enabling Victorians with disabilities to actively participate in recreational activities.
Eligibility criteria
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Nominees must have implemented initiatives which operate on either a regional, metropolitan Melbourne or state-wide level in Victoria.
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The award is open to initiatives led by community and/or active recreation clubs/groups or individuals in Victoria, demonstrating a commitment to promoting active recreation for individuals with disabilities.
Selection criteria
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The level of reach and impact of the initiative, considering its effectiveness and benefits on a regional, metropolitan Melbourne or state-wide scale.
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The extent to which initiatives have implemented sustainable practices, ensuring the longevity and ongoing impact of the program in facilitating the participation of individuals with disabilities in active recreational activities.
Inclusive Sport/Recreation/Open Space Infrastructure Award
The award recognises the transformative effect that modifications to shared spaces can have on an individual's ability to participate in sport and recreation activities.
Eligibility criteria
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Nominees must have undertaken minor or major developments or upgrades in the field of inclusive sport, recreation or open space infrastructure.
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The nominee’s project must be within the domain of sport, recreation or open space infrastructure, such as sports facilities, playgrounds, parks, trails or other related areas.
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The nominee’s project must have either been completed or substantially progressed within a specified timeframe, as determined by the award guidelines.
Selection criteria
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The extent that the project demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that the sport, recreation or open space infrastructure is accessible and accommodating for individuals with disabilities, promoting equal participation and enjoyment for all.
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The extent that the infrastructure project has had a significant positive impact on the community, contributing to increased participation and engagement in sport, recreation or open space activities for individuals with disabilities.
Marg Angel Junior Sportsperson of the Year
The award recognises a Victorian junior athlete with a disability who has performed exceptionally, as evidenced by their sporting accomplishments.
Eligibility criteria
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Nominees must be under 21 years of age as of July 31, 2025.
Selection criteria
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The nominee's level of success, considering their achievements, records, rankings and any other notable accomplishments within their respective sport.
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The nominee’s level of skills progress and development, reflecting their commitment to their sport.
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The nominee’s potential for future sporting success, giving consideration to their age, skill level and commitment to their sport.
Masters Sportsperson of the Year
The award recognises a Victorian masters athlete with a disability who has performed exceptionally, as evidenced by their sporting accomplishments.
Eligibility criteria
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Nominees must have competed at masters-level competitions in their respective sport.
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Nominees must adhere to the classification standards for masters-level competition, as specified by the relevant sport governing body.
Selection criteria
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The nominee's level of success, considering their achievements, records, rankings and any other notable accomplishments within their respective sport. This also gives consideration to the age group and category in which they compete.
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The nominee’s level of sportsmanship, fair play and adherence to the values of integrity and ethical conduct.
Elite Sportsperson of the Year
The award acknowledges a Victorian individual athlete with a disability who has performed exceptionally, as evidenced by their sporting success at a national and/or international level.
Eligibility criteria
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Nominees must have competed at high-level competitions, such as national and/or international events.
Selection criteria
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The nominee's level of success, considering their achievements, records, rankings and any other notable accomplishments within their respective sport.
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The extent of the nominee's participation and success at a national and/or international level, recognising their ability to compete against their sport’s top-ranked athletes.
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The nominee’s level of sportsmanship, fair play and adherence to the values of integrity and ethical conduct.