WA’s top sports stars shine under Optus Stadium lights

Feb 28, 2022, 09:27 AM

The State's most outstanding sports stars were recognised at the prestigious SportWest Awards ceremony held at Optus Stadium recently.

Tokyo Paralympian dual gold medallist Madison de Rozario OAM took out the title of 2021 WA Sports Star at the ceremony.

SportWest, supported by the State Government through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC), hosts the awards to recognise excellence in sport and celebrate the achievements of WA sportspeople.

Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman presented de Rozario, who attended via video, with the top sporting award — adding to her collection of notable achievements over the past 12 months, including a Medal of the Order of Australia.

More than 170 nominations were received across nine categories. For the first time, sport administrators were also recognised at the event with a dedicated category to acknowledge their hard work and dedication to community sport.

The inaugural DLGSC Sports Administrator of the Year award went to Christina Matthews, Chief Executive Officer of the Western Australian Cricket Association.

The SportWest Awards began in 1956 with 80 athletes from 21 sports having been recognised as WA's Sports Star.