Four shire athletes have been selected as finalists at the prestigious NSW Champions of Sport Ceremony next month.
The event, to be held at The Star on November 18, will be attended by the elite of NSW sport and celebrate the achievement of NSW athletes, coaches, administrators and organisations across 13 categories.
Sutherland basketballer Shyla Heal has been nominated for the young athlete of the year award.
Engadine tennis players Kelly Wren and Hayley Slocombe are up for athlete of the year with a disability and young athlete of the year with a disability respectively.
Sutherland's Stephen Gillespie has been nominated for official of the year for his work in table tennis.
The ceremony will also see shire residents Bradley Clyde (rugby league) and John Holt (surf lifesaving) inducted into the NSW Hall of Champions alongside Lauren Jackson (basketball), Brent Livermore (hockey), Cheryl Salisbury (football) and Lisa Sthalekar (cricket).
Cricket doyen Richie Benaud will be elevated to legend status.
Sport NSW chairperson Carolyn Campbell congratulated the finalists and said they had represented NSW sport with honour and distinction over the last 12 months.
"Our nominated athletes and organisations have excelled at the highest levels and we congratulate them on their outstanding achievements. They have made an immense contribution to sport and to our state and have proven themselves to be fabulous community role models," Campbell said.
"This year's nominations in all categories were first class and the chosen finalists uphold NSW's well-earned reputation as Australia's premier sports state.
"These finalists join a magnificent assembly of previous athletes, coaches, administrators and organisations who have been considered as finalists in the most prestigious sports awards NSW offers.
"Sport is an integral part of every community across NSW. Sport promotes heathy living, drives societal change and binds communities together and our finalists are wonderful examples of inspiration for athletes, coaches and administrators of all ages and abilities."
