Each year the Victorian Sport Awards honours those who have made an outstanding contribution to sport in Victoria as individual or team athletes, coaches, administrators and volunteers from both metropolitan and regional areas in Victoria and the 2018 Victorian Sport Awards was no exception.

Due to the breadth of exceptional contributions to sport, the 2018 Victorian Sport Awards invited 38 highly qualified Victorian sportspeople to constitute the judging panels, charged with picking the finalists and winners across the 19 award categories.

The prestigious Governor’s Award – Victorian Male Athlete of the Year – Frank Wilkes Award went to none other than World Champion and Olympic bronze medallist snowboarder Scotty James, while table tennis’ Rio 2016 Olympian Melissa Tapper took home the Governor’s Award – Victorian Female Athlete of the Year – Kitty McEwan Award.

Tapper shared her gratitude on social media;

“Thank you Governor Linda Dessau and the Vic Sport Team for this incredible honour of being named Victorian Female Athlete of the Year.

“Can’t quite fathom just yet being named alongside the likes of Cathy Freeman, Kim Brennan and Kirstie Marshall for this award.

“Table Tennis continues to give me amazing opportunities, and it only seems to get better. Thanks to my legendary team and supporters.

Vicsport Chairman Ron Gauci said of the evening;

“Last night was a wonderful celebration of the Victorian sporting community. The ability to showcase sport across all levels, makes for a special occasion.

“The Victorian Sport Awards provides the opportunity for community participants to share the stage with our home grown national and international athletes.

“Congratulations to all the finalists and winners, notably Susan Alberti AC who was the recipient of the Victorian State Government Outstanding Contribution to Victorian Sport Award.”

The winners in all categories of the 2018 Victorian Sport Awards are listed below. You can read about their stories to success here.