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Embargoed until 10pm Friday 27 March 2009 

 

Olympian Des Abbot was tonight named the Sportsperson of the Year at the 2009 Northern Territory Sports Awards in Darwin.

 

Minister for Sport and Recreation Karl Hampton congratulated Abbott who won a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics last year on winning the award ahead fellow finalists Melanie Hall and Rebecca Simpson.

 

“The Northern Territory Sports Awards is Territory sport’s night of nights and I congratulate all of the nominees, finalists and winners,” said Mr Hampton.

 

“Des is an inspiration to all Territorians and I congratulate him on his inspiring hockey performances on the international stage.

 

“It is great for young Territorians to be able to see Des succeed and dream one day they may follow in his footsteps.

 

“It was fantastic to see so many Territorians succeed in 2008 in the national and international sporting arena.”

 

Tennis Sensation Kassandra Dunser won the Young Sportsperson of the Year award while the Masters Sportsperson of the Year award went to Eightball’s Robbie Savage.

 

Mr Ralph Wiese was inducted into the Territory Hall of Champions for his outstanding sports contribution to a number of sports over many years.

 

Pat Gallagher was awarded the NT Roll of Honour while Mr Graham McMahon was awarded the prestigious Steve Abala Roll Model Award.

 

“The NT Sports Awards recognise outstanding achievements across the sporting arena from volunteers and administrators to coaches and athletes and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in Territory Sport,” Mr Hampton said.

 

“Sport is such an important part of our great Territory lifestyle and the Henderson Government strongly supports sport in the Territory.”

 

Sport and Recreation Minister’s Award for Officials:

Mr Al Ballinger

 

TIO Volunteer of the Year:

Ms Helen Smith

 

Foster’s Australia Eric Johnston Coach of the Year:

Mr Patrick Coburn

 

Steve Abala Roll Model Award:

Mr Graham McMahon

 

Roll of Honour:

Ms Pat Gallagher

 

Hall of Champions:

Mr Ralph Wiese

 

Qantas Team of the Year:

Northern Territory Ladies Open Tenpin Bowling Team

 

Foster’s Australia Masters Sportsperson of the Year:

Mr Robbie Savage

 

TIO NT Junior Sports Person of the Year:

Miss Kassandra Dunser

 

Qantas NT Sports Person of the Year

Mr Des Abbott

 

 

Contact: Natasha Fyles 044 88 66 312