Finalists Announced for 2021 Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Awards

The Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Awards (VDSR Awards) are 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.

Hosted by Disability Sport & Recreation, the VDSR Awards are an opportunity to discover notable champions and rising stars. It celebrates what’s truly great about accessible and inclusive sport.

The night of nights for the disability sporting sector in Victoria will be held on Tuesday 23 November on the stunning 21st floor at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Southbank’s Riverside Quay.

The event will also be streamed live for those unable to attend

Award nominations are made by state sporting associations, regional sport assemblies, local government, teammates, club members, coaches and local communities. Each award is in recognition of outstanding contribution to inclusive sport and recreation.

“After another extremely challenging year for many in our community, the focus for this year’s awards is a celebration of the community sporting sector and the fun, inclusive and innovative activities that individuals and clubs undertook during lockdown to remain connected with their clubs and community,”  said Richard Amon CEO of Disability Sport & Recreation.

“We were very proud to receive 31 nominations for the Initiative of the Year award alone, demonstrating the incredible work behind the scenes to keep people active and connected during these difficult times,” said Amon.

“As we emerge from lockdowns, let’s come together and celebrate what has been achieved amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Importantly, lets look to a brighter future with more Victorians with disability finding greater positive outcomes  and connection through involvement in sport and recreation,” said Amon.

The VDSR Awards have previously celebrated elite level Paralympians including Dylan Alcott, who recently became the only male to complete the Golden Slam in quad wheelchair tennis singles, winning all four majors and the Paralympics in 2021 and Ellie Cole, who became Australia’s most decorated female Paralympian with six gold, five silver and six bronze medals from four Paralympic Games after winning her seventeenth Paralympic medal in Tokyo.

They have also recognised the dedication and commitment to the sector by many individuals. This includes Lifetime Achievement award winners Maurice Gleeson, who has worked tirelessly for the blind and low vision community for over 40 years and Greg Crump, whose contribution to wheelchair tennis, both here and abroad stretches over 30 years.

Nominations for the 2021 VDSR Awards are for achievements, initiatives, programs, activities and developments that took place between January 2020 and June 2021.

Finalists in the 2021 Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Awards are:

Everday Independence Lifetime Achievement Award

·         Kaye Speed OAM - Blind Sport and Recreation Victoria

My Sport Live Sportsperson of the Year

·         Martyn Dunn - wheelchair tennis

·         Ben Fawcett - wheelchair rugby

Marg Angel Junior Sportsperson of the Year

·         Sally Schwartz - tennis

·         Louise Pendred - athletics

·         James Pendred - athletics

·         Kirra Wright - athletics

Masters Sportsperson of the Year

·         Jason Lees - wheelchair rugby

·         Jason Whiter - bodybuilding

Administrator of the Year

·         Tim Marchington - SOLVE Disability Solutions

·         Brenton Dinsdale - Gippsport

·         Steve Odgers - AFL Victoria

Carbine Club Coach of the Year

·         Vicky Lee - Slammin Tennis

·         Ian Bridge - Para-Badminton

·         Kerry Woods - Special Olympics Gymnastics

PwC Volunteer of the Year

·         Samir Mahir - Blind Sport and Recreation Victoria

·         Bill Dooley - SOLVE Disability Solutions

·         Nancy Cummane - Cricket Victoria

Vichealth Initiative of the Year - Sport

·         Blind & Low Vision State Championships - Tennis Victoria

·         Creating a Positive Experience for Athletes with Autism in Gymnastics workshop - Gymnastics Victoria

·         Virtual International Day of People with Disability celebration - Belgravia Leisure

Vichealth Initiative of the Year - Active Recreation

·         Virtual Law Enforcement Torch Run - Special Olympics Australia

·         Fitskills - Latrobe University

·         All Abilities Physical Activity Challenge - GippSport

Polytan Inclusive Sport, Recreation or Open Space Infrastructure

·         SOLVE Disability Solutions – building development