The people who give freely of their time, skills and passion to support NSW sport will be recognised for the first time with a dedicated annual sports awards program.

Member for Lane Cove, The Hon. Anthony Roberts, welcomed the launch by Minister for Sport and Recreation Graham Annesley of the inaugural NSW Sports Volunteer Awards with key members of the State’s sporting community at Sydney Olympic Park.

“Sport at grassroots level is very reliant on volunteers – the mums, dads, former players and other community members who play vital but unpaid roles such as coach, official and club committee member,” Mr Roberts said.

“Volunteers will be recognised in their own right through a separate award scheme by the State’s industry peak body, the NSW Sports Federation.

“The awards recognise the efforts of individuals, as well as acknowledging excellence in volunteer management by sporting clubs and associations.

Mr Roberts said the Awards will help to boost recognition of the approximately 360,000 sports volunteers in NSW.

“I have had the privilege of meeting many volunteers and I understand how vital volunteers are to local sporting activities in the Lane Cove electorate,” Mr Roberts said.

“Award programs play an important role in recognising volunteers, and also highlighting the invaluable work they provide across the community.

“The NSW Government is currently developing a Volunteering Strategy for NSW and I look forward to working closely with the sports sector on promoting volunteering and supporting volunteers.”

“Almost a third of all volunteers in NSW do so in the sports sector and with the launching of this initiative I urge all local sporting organisations in my electorate to nominate worthy volunteers,” Mr Roberts added.

Nominations are now open and for more information including nomination details, visit the NSW Sports Federation website at www.sportnsw.com.au.