Nominations close at midnight on Wednesday, August 31 before judging is conducted through September. Winners are announced in October.
Now in their 60th year, the awards celebrate sportspeople with disabilities, coaches, organisations, officials and volunteers in the sector.
Award entrants are nominated by state sport associations, regional sport assemblies, local government, individuals, teammates and club or community members in recognition of contributions to inclusive sport and recreation.
This year’s nominations are for achievements, programs, initiatives, activities and developments that took place between July 2021 and June 2022.
Outstanding achievements on the sporting field at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, conducted in 2021, will also be considered.
2022 VDSR Award categories
• Kevin Coombs Lifetime Achievement Award
• My Sport Live Sportsperson of the Year – Elite
• My Sport Live Sportsperson of the Year – Community
• Marg Angel Junior Sportsperson of the Year
• Masters Sportsperson of the Year
• Administrator of the Year
• Coach/Fitness Leader of the Year
• PwC Volunteer of the Year
• Initiative of the Year – Sport
• Active Recreation and Leisure Initiative of the Year
• Inclusive Sport, Recreation or Open Space Infrastructure Award
• Team of the Year
Disability Sport and Recreation chief executive Richard Amon said as inclusive sport and recreation awareness grew, so too did the number of programs supporting people with disabilities to get active.
“Our sector is made up of many humble people, who quietly go about volunteering, coaching and supporting people with disability so they can live healthy, active lives,” he said.
“Together, these individuals, organisations and clubs are making tremendous, positive change in the lives of people with disability.
“We strongly encourage everyone to consider those people who are making a quiet, but significant impact in their communities and acknowledge their contribution by nominating them for an award.”
The VDSR awards have previously recognised athletes including celebrated Olympian Dylan Alcott and Dr Jessica Gallagher, who was the 2018 Commonwealth Games ambassador for cycling.
More information can be found at https://www.dsr.org.au/vdsr-awards
