There was a double success for Netball NSW at the 2021 NSW Sports Awards last night with the organisation taking home two major awards from CommBank Stadium in Parramatta.
Nominated in five categories, Netball NSW took out the Event of the Year Award for the organisation's celebration of Reconciliation Week, while the NSW Swifts were named the state's Sports Team of the Year for 2021, the second time in three years they have won the honour. It was accepted on the night by co-captain Maddy Proud and midcourter Tayla Fraser (pictured above).
Netball NSW was also nominated for Organisation of the Year, while Swifts coach Briony Akle was nominated for Coach of the Year with former EGM of Community & Pathways Darren Simpson up for Administrator of the Year.
Sport NSW has hosted the prestigious NSW Sports Awards program since its inception in 1994. The Sports Awards serve to celebrate outstanding achievements and excellence in NSW sport across various categories, including athletes, teams, coaches, officials, administrators, events and organisations on an annual basis.
Melanie Champan of the Community Team accepted the Event of the Year Award on behalf of Netball NSW. Photo: Sport NSWTokyo Olympic Games golden girls Jessica Fox and Cate Campbell were crowned joint 2021 Athletes of the Year winners and Tokyo Paralympic Games swimming gold medallist Matthew Levy was named 2021 Athlete of the Year with a Disability.
There was further success for swimming with Timothy Hodge named Young Athlete of the Year with a Disability while Tokyo Olympic diver Sam Fricker was announced Young Athlete of the Year and Rugby Union referee Amy Perrett was voted as Official of the Year.
Archer Elizabeth Hole was acknowledged as Masters Athlete of the Year for a second time, Wheelchair Sports CEO Mick Garnett was named Administrator of the Year, Basketball NSW was awarded Organisation of the Year and the NSW Gladiators Wheelchair Rugby team claimed the Team of the Year with a Disability title.
Netball NSW would like to extend a special congratulations to the NSW Community Team who delivered a fantastic celebration of Reconciliation Week, alongside the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball, and recognise the Swifts for another proud State honour.
*With Sport NSW
