Cycling leads the pack with five cyclists among the finalists of this year’s CBR Sport Awards, which celebrate the commitment, resilience, innovation and diversity of Canberra’s sporting community. The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 23 November at Manuka Oval.
“It has been another action-packed year of sport in Canberra. Congratulations to all nominees, especially this years’ finalists,” Yvette Berry, ACT Minister for Sport and Recreation, said.
“You have all set the bar so high and have inspired others to follow in your footsteps.”
The award finalists are:
Athlete of the Year – Para Sport
- James Turner (Athletics)
- James Reynolds (Bowls)
- Nikki Ayers (Rowing)
Athlete of the Year – Men’s Sport
- Lewis Bates (Motorsport, Rally)
- Michael Matthews (Cycling, Road)
- Jay Vine (Cycling, Road)
Athlete of the Year – Women’s Sport
- Rebecca Henderson (Cycling, Mountain Bike)
- Laura Peel (Snowsports)
- Nikki Ayers (Rowing)
Team of the Year
- ACT U21 Male Indoor Hockey Team (Indoor Hockey)
- ACT Rockets (Indoor Cricket)
- Canberra Heat (Volleyball)
Rising Star
- Oscar Chamberlain (Cycling, Road)
- Lauren Bates (Cycling, Road)
- Cameron Myers (Athletics)
Minister for Sport and Recreation Award’s for Event Excellence
- Capital Football – 2023 Kanga Cup
- Capital Petanque – 2023 Capital Cup
- Cricket ACT – Festival of Cricket
Minister for Sport and Recreation’s Award for Innovation
- Triathlon ACT – 2023 Winter Series
- Hockey ACT – Walking Hockey
- Capital Athletics – Unification of Athletics in the ACT
Minister for Sport and Recreation’s Award for Inclusion
- Vikings Group – Kids into Sport
- Hockey ACT – Pride in Sport Program
- Dragon Boat ACT – Deaf Dragon Boat Program
“Canberra is the sporting capital of Australia, and we have so much sporting talent,” Ms Berry said. “These awards provide an opportunity for us to reflect on and recognise the outstanding achievements of so many local athletes, sporting teams, and volunteers.
“This is of particular importance this year, with uncertainty being raised around the future location of the Australian Institute of Sport.”
The Federal Government has proposed moving the AIS to Queensland – an idea the ACT Government opposes.
Ms Berry thanked the judging panel. “This year, once again, the calibre of nominees is very high, and the shortlist process must have been very tough.”
Tickets to the CBR Sport Awards night can be purchased from the event website at www.cbrsportawards.com.au
