Australian national snowboard coach Ben Wordsworth was tonight awarded the 2011 Australian Institute of Sport Coach of the Year at a gala presentation held in Canberra.

Minister for Sport Mark Arbib said under Wordsworth’s coaching and guidance, the Australian snowboard team achieved unprecedented world results soaring to the top of the medal tally at the 2011 World Snowboard Championships.

“Three athletes were crowned world champions taking home gold medals in the snowboard cross and the half pipe giving Australia its first ever number one ranking at a world championships in winter sports,” Senator Arbib said.

“For Ben to win the AIS Coach of the Year award over such a high-quality field is a reflection of his outstanding coaching ability.

“His passion for snowboarding is instilled in his athletes and makes him one of Australia’s most respected winter sport coaches.”

Acting AIS Director Phil Borgeaud paid tribute to Wordsworth’s remarkable achievement and commitment to both the AIS and Australian snowboard.

“His leadership, professionalism and enthusiasm have seen the Australian snowboard team finish this year as the world number one ranked team,” Mr Borgeaud said. 

Other finalists for the Coach of the Year award included:
• Norma Plummer (netball) who guided the Australian Diamonds to win the 2011 World Netball Championships in Singapore;
• Iryna Dvoskina (Paralympic track and field) who coached Evan O’Hanlon to two gold medals at this year’s IPC Athletics World Championships in Christchurch; and
• Gary West (track cycling) the coach of world track champions Anna Meares and Kaarle McCulloch. 

The full list of award winners is on the 2011 Honour Roll at www.ausport.gov.au

Minister’s media contact: Alison Hill 0407 570 640/02 9364 2600