ACTNSWNTQLDSATASVICWA
Log in
Log in

News

Sport Australia Hall of Fame - Sport's Unsung Heroes - New National Award

Published Sat 04 Oct 2025
 
As part of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame's 40th Anniversary Celebrations, we are proud to launch a brand new award, Celebrating Sport’s Unsung Heroes, in partnership with Code Sports and proudly sponsored by Sportscover.

There’s an incredible $10,000 prize on offer, thanks to Sportscover, along with an invitation to the prestigious Sport Australia Hall of Fame Gala Dinner on November 17.

This national initiative gives every community the chance to highlight their unsung sporting champions — the volunteers, coaches, officials, and everyday heroes whose passion for sport transforms communities across Australia. From remote towns to bustling cities, these are the people whose dedication and spirit make sport possible.
 
What We’re Looking For
Nominees should demonstrate qualities such as:

• Community Impact – creating positive, lasting change through sport
• Inclusivity & Accessibility – breaking down barriers for all participants
• Resilience & Innovation – overcoming challenges in inspiring ways
• Leadership & Inspiration – mentoring and motivating others
• Passion & Dedication – sustained service and commitment to sport
 
 
The Judging Panel
A distinguished panel of SAHOF Members representing every corner of Australia will decide the lucky winner
    Dawn Fraser AC, MBE (QLD)                                                                                                                  Louise Sauvage OAM (NSW)

Dawn Fraser AC, MBE, a four-time Olympic swimming champion and triple consecutive 100m freestyle gold medallist, is a national icon and Sport Australia Hall of Fame Legend. Louise Sauvage OAM, a pioneering wheelchair racer and Paralympic champion, is celebrated worldwide as one of the greatest athletes in history for redefining para-sport on the global stage.
 
Robert de Castella AO, MBE (ACT)                                                                                                                 Nova Peris OAM (NT)

Robert de Castella AO, MBE, a world champion marathon runner, Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Olympic bronze medallist, is widely admired as both a pioneer of Australian distance running and a dedicated advocate for community health.
Nova Peris OAM, an Olympic gold medallist in hockey and Commonwealth Games champion in athletics, was the first Indigenous Australian woman elected to Federal Parliament and is recognised as a trailblazer for Indigenous representation in sport and beyond.
           Kevin Sheedy (VIC)                                                                                                                                   David Boon AM (TAS)

Kevin Sheedy AO, a four-time AFL premiership coach, is a visionary innovator and ambassador who helped expand the game nationally and shaped modern Australian football.
David Boon AM, a prolific Australian Test batsman, Ashes hero, and century-maker, became a symbol of Tasmanian cricket and went on to serve the game as a highly respected international match referee.
     Ric Charlesworth AO (WA)                                                                                                                      Anna Meares OAM (SA/QLD)

Ric Charlesworth AO, a dual international in hockey and cricket and five-time Olympic hockey coach, is recognised as one of Australia’s most successful and influential sporting leaders.
Anna Meares OAM, a two-time Olympic gold medallist, 11-time world champion track cyclist, and Chef de Mission for the Australian Olympic Team at Los Angeles 2028, is regarded as one of Australia’s greatest ever cyclists and sporting leaders.
 
How to Enter
Complete the online nomination form at www.codesports.com.au/unsungheroes following the instructions
Competition website: www.codesports.com.au/
Competition opens: October 1, 2025
Competition closes: Midnight, October 31, 2025
Applicants will be asked to submit a 100–200 word story and provide two references.
At the Gala Dinner
The winner will be invited with a partner/friend to Melbourne to attend the 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner at Crown Melbourne on November 17 where they will share their story on stage with Hamish McLachlan, be recognised in front of Australia’s sporting greats, and receive the $10,000 prize proudly presented by Sportscover and Code Sports.
 
Code Sports is NewsCorp’s dedicated sports journalism platform, delivering in-depth analysis, features, and storytelling on the athletes, teams, and moments that shape Australian sport. To ensure maximum reach, this competition will also be promoted nationally across all NewsCorp mastheads.

Sportscover is a specialist in sport and leisure insurance, dedicated to protecting athletes, clubs, and organisations at every level. With unrivalled industry knowledge and decades of experience, Sportscover provides tailored insurance solutions that meet the unique needs of sport. Through a strong commitment to service excellence, Sportscover has become the trusted name in the sector and, through sponsorships like this, continues to strengthen support for the sporting community.

This is your chance to help us uncover the unsung heroes of Australian sport – those who give endlessly, inspire many, and deserve to be celebrated on the nation’s biggest sporting stage.

Keep an eye out for entry details via Code Sports from October 1, 2025
 
Gallery