WAFC recognised at Western Australian sport and recreation industry awards

The West Australian Football Commission (WAFC) has been recognised at this year’s Western Australian Sport and Recreation Industry Awards for its Aboriginal Sports Weekend, run in partnership with Netball WA.

The annual Aboriginal Sports Weekend, which encompasses the Nicky Winmar Cup, the Kirby Bentley Cup and the Aboriginal Youth Netball Gala Day, was announced as the Community Event of the Year at an award presentation at Perth’s Optus Stadium yesterday morning.

WAFC Executive Manager Engagement and Community Football, Troy Kirkham, said the award was great recognition for a significant community program that not only enhanced participation pathways, but was extremely important in the development of Aboriginal coaches, umpires, administrators and mentors.

Kirkham explained “the success of Western Australia in the National Kickstart Championships, which we have won for eight consecutive years, is largely driven by the development of players, coaches and support staff through the Nicky Winmar and the Kirby Bentley Cups.

“The collaboration between the WAFC and Netball WA is also one that continues to highlight the work of both sports in the participation and engagement space, and the positive community outcomes that can be achieved by sports working together.

“Congratulations to everyone that has been involved in the event over the past few years as it has grown into a significant program that connects and enhances the WA community.”

Held every two years, the Western Australian Sport and Recreation Industry Awards are acknowledged as the premier accolade for any organisation in the industry, recognise innovation and exceptional achievement.

The WAFC was also a finalist for the Supporting Volunteers Award and the Innovation in Practice Award.

Images: Action from the award-winning Aboriginal Sports Weekend. Courtesy of the West Australian Football Commission.