COLES LITTLE ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCES INDUCTEES OF THE COLES LITTLE ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA HALL OF FAME AND ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS
The Coles Little Athletics Australia Hall of Fame Ceremony is a highly esteemed annual awards ceremony that recognises the achievements of former Little Athletics athletes and the significant contributions of those internally involved in Little Athletics.
Held on Friday 26 April at The Sanctuary Adelaide Zoo the awards night celebrated the achievements of former Little Athletes and the significant contributions of those internally involved in Coles Little Athletics Australia across a range of categories.
CEO of Coles Little Athletics Australia, Myles Foreman says, “The ceremony showcases the positive impact Little Athletics has on individuals later in life in the wider Australian sporting community and beyond. Developing important life skills, such as teamwork and endurance, Little Athletics helps to prepare for success on and off the sporting field”.
Foreman added: “Not only did this year’s Ceremony have the opportunity to celebrate and hear about the impact of Little Athletics on our Inductees and Award winners, Little Athletics welcomed back two former Inductees who equally highlighted the impact Little Athletics has had over the past 60 years with a focus on Family, Fun and Fitness as a Foundation for All Sports”.
The 2024 Inductees of the Coles Little Athletics Australia Hall of Fame Ceremony are as follows:
Track and Field: Former Little Athletes who have represented Australia in athletics.
2024 Coles Little Athletics Australia Hall of Fame Inductees – Track & Field
Jessica Stenson –Olympic Marathon Runner
Cedric Dubler – Olympic Decathlete
Sportsperson: Former Little Athletes who have competed at the highest level in a sport.
2024 Coles Little Athletics Australia Hall of Fame Inductees – Sportsperson
Brett Lee – International Cricketer
Volunteer: Any person (excluding those eligible for above) who has made an outstanding contribution to Little Athletics across Australia.
2024 Coles Little Athletics Australia Hall of Fame Inductees – Volunteer
Greg Peterson – South Australia
Edward Fabian – Queensland
This year Coles Little Athletics Australia also welcomed back two former inductees who shared the impact Little Athletics had had on their lives and achievements after Little Athletics.
Ryan “Fitzy” Fitzgerald
Kathy Watt OLY
Kathy Watt OLY was inducted into the Hall of Fame in the Sportsperson category in 2009 the inaugural year of the Hall of Fame. An Olympic cyclist who won gold and silver medals at the 1992 Summer Olympic Games, also medaling in the 1990, 1994, 1998 and 2006 Commonwealth Games.
Ryan “Fitzy” Fitzgerald was inducted into the Hall of Fame in the Achiever category in 2014. A former Australian Rules footballer and Big Brother contestant, now a popular TV and radio personality.
In addition to inductees, the Coles Little Athletics Australia Hall of Fame Ceremony also presents awards to those internally involved in Little Athletics Australia who have contributed significantly.
Coles Little Athletics Australia Official of the Year Award
The Official of the Year Award recognises Officials who must have (1) Regularly participated at Association/State Competitions in the previous 12 months, (2) Related well to athletes and fellow Officials, (3) Made an outstanding contribution throughout the previous season and (4) Contributed positively to the overall moral of the official's fraternity.
Coles Little Athletics Australia Official of the Year Award
Matthew Vine – Western Australia
Coles Little Athletics Australia Centre of the Year Award
The Coles Centre of the Year Award recognises Little Athletics Centres who have been a leader and innovator in delivering upon Little Athletics core values of Family, Fun and Fitness with a focus on being able to demonstrate excellence in at least three of the following categories (1) Diversity & Inclusion, (2) Innovation, (3) Community, (4) Governance and (5) National.
Coles Little Athletics Australia Centre of the Year Award Winner - Major City Category
Plympton Little Athletics Centre – South Australia
Coles Little Athletics Australia Centre of the Year Award Winner - Inner Regional Category
Northern Yorke Peninsula Little Athletics Centre – South Australia
Coles Little Athletics Australia Centre of the Year Award Winner – Outer Regional & Remote Category
Portland Little Athletics Centre – Victoria
Occurring the same weekend as the 2024 Coles Australian Little Athletics Championships which ran from Friday 26 April to Sunday 28 April, the Coles Little Athletics Australia Hall of Fame Ceremony was an impactful way to kickstart the notable weekend for Coles Little Athletics Australia.
