On Wednesday October 8th, arguably the biggest team of Australian sporting champions will gather at the Crown Entertainment Complex in Melbourne for the 24th Annual Sport Australia Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony.

Five times Olympic Gold Medalist Ian Thorpe leads an impressive guest list at this week’s event. Other stars expected to attend include; Beijing heroes Stephanie Rice, Steve Hooker, Sally McLennan, Anna Meares, and Matthew Mitcham. Champions from the world of tennis including Frank Sedgman, Ken Rosewall, Neale Fraser and the “Woodies”, from the AFL; legends Ron Barassi and Bobby Skilton, former Australian Cricket Captain Steve Waugh, Rugby League’s “King” Wally Lewis and Allan Langer, Raelene Boyle and Shane Gould to name a few.

“The Sport Australia Hall Of Fame inspires all Australians by recognizing and promoting the outstanding sporting achievements of our greatest athletes; and encourages everyone, young and old, to reach their sport and life potential.”

“Our Annual Dinner and Induction Ceremony is a fantastic celebration of sport. Not only are we delighted to have so many champions attend this year, but are honored for the first time to have our Patron the Honorable Prime Minister Kevin Rudd MP join us,” says Chairman and Australian Sailing great John Bertrand.

On Wednesday night, eight Australia Sporting Champions will be inducted as ‘athlete’ and ‘general’ Members; the ‘Don Award’ named after Sir Donald Bradman will recognize the athlete whose performance over the past twelve months has inspired the nation and one of the greatest moments in Australian sport will be “enshrined” into the Hall of Fame forever. Another highlight will be the elevation of a member to ‘legend’ status. This is arguably the highest honor in Australian Sport, with only 28 out of a total membership of 486 ever receiving this recognition.  

Our sporting champions of the future are also acknowledged through our unique Scholarship Program. In addition to a $5,000 grant; nine scholarship winners benefit from the experience of current Sport Australia Hall of Fame Members who act as their mentors and heroes. According to Bertrand, “We aim to preserve Australia's rich sporting heritage and use the values and experience of our members to inspire our future stars.”

A life Member of SAHOF, Chairman John Bertrand is available for interviews. A World Champion and Olympic medalist, John represented Australia in five America’s Cups and two Olympic Games in Yachting. He is best remembered as Skipper of the winged keel Australia 2, which broke an amazing 132 years of American domination, coming back from 3-1 down to win the America’s Cup.

John is co-owner and Chairman of World Wide Entertainment, one of Australia’s largest independent television production and distribution companies. He is also Chairman of the Alannah and Madeline Children’s Foundation and was recently named “Melbournian of the Year.”

John’s love of sailing continues. He actively competes at the highest level within the International Etchell class.

The 24th Sport Australia Hall Of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony will be telecast exclusively on Wednesday October 8 at 8pm on Fox Sports.  It is proudly presented by Principal Sponsor Australian Air Express.  According to CEO, Wayne Dunne,”At Australian air Express we feel that the vision and achievements of SAHOF in supporting Australian sportspeople mirror our approach to our business and our people. It is for this reason that AaE is proud to be associated with the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.”  

Event sponsors are Mercedes Benz, Crown, Fosters Group and the Skilled Group with Media partners News Limited and Fox Sports.

Tags: ian thorpe, Ron Barassi, Shane Gould, Sport Australia Hall of Fame, Steve Waugh