Badenhorst finalist in new national award celebrating sporting values

Paralympian Joany Badenhorst was today named a finalist in the new national Sport Australia Award that will be presented at the AIS Sport Performance Awards in Sydney on 13 December.

Sport Australia Chair John Wylie today unveiled the inaugural award that will presented as part of the annual celebration of Australian high performance sport.

The first ever Sport Australia Award will highlight the inspiring impact fair play, integrity and sporting role models can have on Australians.

“Australians love to win and we rightfully celebrate these victories, but success in sport can be measured far more broadly than by who claims the gold medal or who hoists the trophy at the end of a tournament,” Wylie said.

“Sport Australia launched a new vision this year: for Australia to be the world’s most active sporting nation, known for its integrity, sporting success and world-leading sports industry. Integrity leads that list of priorities because it must be fundamental to Australian sport.

“We believe unquestionably in the power of sport and physical activity to reflect the very best in our Australian culture. Sport promotes social inclusion and cohesion, and teaches vital lifelong personal qualities of character, resilience and teamwork, as well as the life lessons gained by both winning and losing.

“The success of our athletes contributes to our sense of national identity and pride. This new award demonstrates that success must include the impact of athletes as role models, their engagement with the community, and delivering a respected system.”

There was no surprise that winter Paralympian Badenhorst was named amongst an elite group including Mark Knowles (Hockey); Celia Sullohern, Madeline Hills and Eloise Wellings (Athletics) and; Kurt Fearnley (Paralympic athletics).

A gold medal favourite, Australian co-captain and team flagbearer, Joany crashed in her final training session, the resulting injuries ruling her out of competition. Adding to the heartbreak, it was a repeat of the 2014 Sochi Paralympics. Rather than dwell on her own misfortune, the 23-year-old instead turned her focus to supporting the team. She issued a video message of support to Australian teammates and cheered them on throughout the Games.

The AIS Sport Performance Awards (#ASPAs) are also giving Australian sport fans the chance to get involved in judging. The AIS, in partnership with media partner ABC Grandstand, has also launched a public vote to determine the ABC Sport Personality of the Year and Best Sporting Moment of the past 12 months. Fans can vote at aisawards.abc.net.au from now until 5pm AEDT on 9 December, 2018.

Finalists, as judged by an AIS panel, will be announced this week in other categories: male athlete; female athlete; emerging athlete; Para-performance; coach; leader; team; and high performance program.