Bernadette Spedding from Grafton received a Distinguished Long Service Award at the 2023 Sports Foyer NSW Community Sports Awards, presented by Sport NSW.
The Awards night, conducted at CommBank Stadium, recognised outstanding achievements and contributions to community sport in NSW which is largely carried out by a volunteer workforce.
Spedding was one of 23 recipients from a wide cross-section of sports to receive their Award from the Hon. Stephen Kamper, NSW Minister for Sport.
Spedding was honoured for her dedicated and unselfish service to Gymnastics.
Spedding has been instrumental behind the growth of one of Australia’s fastest-growing gymnastics styles – TeamGym.
An inclusive program, TeamGym combines many popular gymnastics styles which are performed in a team of 12.
Leading by example, Spedding continues to perform with her teams today and is a vital member of the volunteer NSW working group that pioneered the sport in 2012.
When Gymnastics Australia took on the Gymsport in 2016, Spedding took on the role of National TeamGym Coordinator where she attended several education conferences across Australia to promote and encourage its growth and development.
Spedding was also a Sydney International Gymnastics Festival Committee Member in 2012 – an event that saw several countries participate in display gymnastics, including a gala performance at the Sutherland Entertainment Centre.
More recently, Spedding has been a key driver of the Gymnastics for Older Adults program, Fitter for Life, leading countless workshops, classes and promoting the sport at statewide conferences and expos.
Sport NSW Chairperson, Chris Hall said Spedding was a worthy Award recipient.
“Sport in NSW relies on people such as Bernadette who have voluntarily dedicated their time over many decades. Put simply, sport would not exist without them,” said Mr Hall.
“It is fitting these Distinguished Long Service Award recipients are recognised and honoured. It is because of their efforts that NSW remains the premier sports state in Australia.
“Bernadette’s enduring contribution showcases why community sport volunteers are the beating heart of community sport in NSW and we thank all volunteers for their exceptional dedication,” said Mr Hall.
The Awards presentation evening also celebrated volunteers across 12 categories for their outstanding achievements and excellence to over the past year.
The categories were Community Official of the Year, Young Official of the Year, Community Coach of the Year, Young Coach of the Year, Community Sports Administrator of the Year, Volunteer Director of the Year, Community Team of the Year, Community Club of the Year, Community Event of the Year, Local Council of the Year, Innovation Award, and Inclusion Award.