After a three-year forced hiatus due to the pandemic, the Magpie Sports Awards returned to Western Sydney on Friday 26 May 2023.
The Awards, which has been a 61-year tradition, celebrates and rewards sporting organisations, champions, and volunteers in the local community.
“We are proud of this longstanding tradition that recognises the incredible achievements of these dedicated athletes and volunteers,” said Simon Cook, CEO of Holman Barnes Group (HBG). “The Magpie Sports Awards highlights the importance of community involvement and inspires the next generation of athletes and sports enthusiasts.”
A share of $20,000 in prize money was awarded to the recipients and their respective sporting organisations, with the Magpie Team Award players receiving an exclusive tour of the Wests Tigers Centre of Excellence.
The black-tie event was held at Wests Ashfield Leagues Club and featured entertainment by KatCha Trio and a panel discussion with sports stars John Skandalis of Wests Tigers, Captain of Melbourne City and APIA Club Rhianna Pollicina and Botille Vette-Welsh of Wests Tigers NRLW. Sports presenter Stephanie Brantz was Emcee on the night.
For the 2023 season to date, HBG has funded more than two million dollars to sporting groups.
“While we get to support many local teams and organisations throughout the year, the Awards provides a special platform for local sporting clubs and their dedicated members to celebrate one another, with nominees chosen by their peers and community members,” added Mr. Cook.
The winners in each category are:
- Magpie Award: Hektor Giotopoulos Moore, Sydney Figure Skating Club
- Magpie Junior Award: Harper Stewart, UNSW Wests Water Polo Club
- Magpie Volunteer Award: Mark Norris, Western Suburbs District Cricket Club
- Magpie Team Award: UNSW Wests Magpies, UNSW Wests Water Polo Club and Wests Boomers Peaches Junior League Baseball Team, Wests Boomers Baseball Club
- Directors’ Encouragement Award: Qixuan Sun, UTS Fencing
