Celebrating South Australian Sporting Success

Sport SA, Adelaide newspaper The Advertiser and Channel Seven have come together for 'The Ultimate Celebration of South Australian Sport'.

In awards presented on Saturday night at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre every aspect of sport in South Australia was acknowledged by the Sport SA Awards; The Advertiser Channel Seven Sports Star of the Year Awards and The South Australian Sport Hall of Fame.

Speaking of the awards, Sport SA, Chief Executive, Jan Sutherland explained "the South Australian Sport Hall of Fame has been an initiative of Sport SA as we felt that it was time to recognise our South Australian sporting heritage and honour our champions."

Sport SA, with 150 member sporting organisations, together with The Advertiser and Channel Seven have now placed The Ultimate Celebration of South Australian Sport on the South Australian calendar.

In 2010 there are now two Legends of South Australian sport, Sir Donald Bradman AC and Bart Cummings AM who were enshrined from the prestigious first South Australian Sport Hall of Fame inductees.

The Sport SA Board presented the Spirit of South Australia Award to Marjorie Jackson-Nelson AC CVO MBE, to, according to Sutherland, "acknowledge extraordinary achievements and sporting performances that have captured the hearts of all South Australians.

"This award is not intended to be given annually but to be granted at the sole discretion of Sport SA for achievements that are very special and form part of South Australia's sporting history.

"Marjorie Jackson-Nelson AC CVO MBE, embodies these qualities to be an inspiration to all. She has truly captured the hearts of all South Australians and we are delighted to recognise your outstanding achievements which form part of South Australiaâs sporting history."

Other award winners were:

Administrator of the Year: Stephen Finch, Mt Burr United Football Club
Coach of the Year: Gary West, Cycling SA
Country Athlete of the Year: Henry Crauford, Blue Lake Y Swimming Club, Mt. Gambier
Event of the Year: The Santos Tour Down Under, Cycling SA
Official of the Year: Jeffrey Green, Badminton SA
Volunteer of the Year: Maureen Merrick, Bicycle SA
Hall of Fame inductees were:
Simon Fairweather OAM, Archery
Lisa Ondieki, Athletics
Ron Sharpe (dec), Baseball
Phil Smyth AM, Basketball
Sir Donald Bradman AC (dec,) Cricket
Clem Hill (dec), Cricket
Mike Turtur OAM, Cycling
Gillian Rolton OAM, Equestrian
Malcolm Blight AM, Aussie Rules Football
Barrie Robran MBE, Aussie Rules Football
John Kosmina, Football
Juliet Haslam OAM, Hockey
Vern Schuppan AM, Motor Sport
Victor Richardson OBE, Multi Sport
Michelle den Dekker, OAM Netball
Kate Slatter OAM, Rowing
Vicki Cardwell BEM, Squash
Mark Woodforde OAM, Tennis
Bart Cummings AM, Thoroughbred Racing
Dean Lukin OAM, Weightlifting
Adelaide Lightning Team 1994-96, Basketball
State Football Team 1963, Aussie Rules Football

For more information go to www.sportsa.org.au/