Best depiction of inclusive sport

This award recognises the best example of media that depicts the inclusiveness of sport and/or sporting communities. Entries may include stories or programs that promote participation and help break down social barriers. Issues covered may include gender equity, Indigenous Australians, multicultural groups, different age demographics or the role of volunteers in sport.

Winner

That Pacific Sports Show, ABC ‘Inclusivity across the islands’

That Pacific Sports Show shares inspiring stories and sporting prowess of athletes with Pacific Island heritage, from Australia and around the world. Throughout the islands, sport is a shared language where it’s possible to initiate conversations about complex social issues. The show highlighted the Grass Skirt program in Papua New Guinea, which educates on domestic violence. The Healthy Nana’s program empowers women in remote villages by providing access to sport and education, while The Rainbow Games provides safe spaces and competition to our Pacific LGBTQIA+ communities. The passion for sport in the Pacific is also found in the Pasifika communities of Australia.

Finalists

Daniel Cencic, Herald Sun ‘A deaf ruckman, a brother’s love and the footy story of the year’

Daniel Cencic told the story of deaf local footballer Ryan Emerson, 19, whose journey to a senior debut at Montrose in Melbourne’s east had been made possible by his brother and teammate, Lachlan Gray, in breaking down the barriers of his disability to play in one of the state’s best competitions. Gray has been by Ryan’s side his whole career, relaying coaches’ instructions in Auslan. The story explored how the football club, teammates, coaches and umpires supported Emerson, who was born completely deaf, in his bid to prove himself and earn his way despite his disability.

Nine Network, 2024 Australian Swimming Trials

The Australian Swimming Trials, serving as the official selection meet for the Olympic and Paralympic swimming squads, was a chance for Nine’s coverage to showcase the Paralympic Games and create a national buzz about Paralympic swimmers. For the first time, Nine integrated multi-class races within the Olympic trials to maximise inclusivity and ensure the poolside storytelling created an uplifting narrative. The result was a nation falling in love with swimmers such as Alexa Leary, while the raw emotion of Hayley Lewis, the mother of Olympic rookie Kai Taylor, and Cate Campbell’s final race conveyed the unfiltered drama only the Olympics can provide.

NITV, Over the Black Dot

Over the Black Dot on NITV strives for authentic and inclusive sports coverage. Across 31 episodes, the show delivered hundreds of interviews with Indigenous athletes, celebrating their personal journeys, challenges and successes with respect and honesty. Over the Black Dot has a commitment to community connection and cultural pride, emphasising the importance of Indigenous identity in sports. Through genuine storytelling, Over the Black Dot serves as a vital platform for Indigenous representation, where athletes voices and experiences are shared with dignity and depth.

The Conversation, The Conversation’s continued focus on inclusivity in sports

Sport should be for all, and enjoyed by all, which is why The Conversation’s Sports and Society section has explored so many areas beyond the sporting fields. Working with leading academics from across Australia, The Conversation engaged, entertained and educated readers about the importance of inclusion, diversity, fairness and participation from the top levels of sport down to grassroots. Topics included misogyny in sports media, the value of women coaches in junior sports and explaining why allowing some gymnasts to wear shorts over their leotards is a big deal.