Minister for Sport Mark Arbib has congratulated the sportsmen and women honoured at the Sports Australia Hall of Fame Awards for their outstanding contribution to sport in Australia.
 
At last night’s Awards in Melbourne Senator Arbib presented the two 2010 Legends – former champion Australian Football coach and player Leigh Matthews and rugby league icon John Raper – with their awards.
 
He also paid tribute to the nine new inductees to the Hall of Fame:

• Philip Anderson – cycling
• Alex Jesaulenko – Australian Football
• Grant Hackett – swimming
• David Hall – wheelchair Tennis
• Sarah Fitzgerald – squash
• Kiristie Marshall – aerial skiing
• Howard Toyne – sports science
• David Parkin – coaching Australian Football
• Ken Arthurson – rugby league administration
 
Australian Institute of Sport/Olympic Winter Institute of Australia athlete Lydia Lassila was honoured as this year’s Don winner – named after one of Australia’s greatest ever sportsmen, cricketing legend Sir Donald Bradman.
 
'I want to congratulate all of the winners for their outstanding successes on and off the sporting field over so many years,' Senator Arbib said.
 
'Australian athletes have always punched above their weight on the international stage and we are now regarded by the rest of the world as a leading sports nation.
 
'We are a nation that revels in our sporting successes and celebrates its sporting heroes and the men and women honoured tonight epitomise that success.
 
'The Sport Australia Hall of Fame honours not only the athletes, but the coaches, administrators, journalists and sports scientists who play an essential role in developing and maintaining Australian sporting success.
 
'The example set by these great Australians will inspire a generation of young aspiring sports people.'