The Australian men’s hockey team (Kookaburras), consisting all Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) scholarship holders, was last night named winner of the 2010 AIS Team of the Year award, at a gala presentation held in Canberra.

The Kookaburras were outstanding throughout 2010 winning triple titles - the Commonwealth Games, World Cup and Champions Trophy. In a year of near perfection they recorded an incredible 25 wins in 26 competitive games.
 
“Achieving this level of success in international team sport requires dedication and commitment over many years in addition to a high degree of artistry,” AIS Director Professor Peter Fricker said.

“That is exactly what the Kookaburras have shown in dominating men’s hockey throughout 2010. 

“They are champions of their sport and have proven themselves by consistently beating the rest of the world world’s best.

“Their results were among the highlights of Australian sport this year and we are immensely proud of their efforts.”

Kookaburras coach Ric Charlesworth capped off an outstanding night for Australian men’s hockey by being named the AIS Coach of the Year.

Other major AIS Awards presented tonight at the AIS Arena included:

• AIS Athlete of the Year: Lydia Lassila (Aerial Skiing)

• AIS Junior Athlete of the Year: Lauren Mitchell (Gymnastics)

• AIS Program of the Year: AIS Sailing program

The full list of award winners is on the 2010 Honour Roll at www.ausport.gov.au

Contact: David Packwood, AIS Media Officer 0408 417894.