Photo Credit: Cricket NSW
The leaders of women’s sport in NSW have been recognised at the NSW Government’s annual Her Sport Her Way Awards and cricket was the clear winner.
The awards honour the achievements of leaders in women’s sport across five categories with international umpire and CNSW Umpire Educator / Female Umpire Engagement officer Claire Polosak taking out the top award, the Her Sport Her Way Champion, following an outstanding year which included being the first woman to officiate in a Test match and overseeing Cricket NSW’s female umpire development pathway.
Cricket NSW took out the Outstanding Organisation gong, while Natasha Anstee, a coach at Workers Gol Gol Cricket Club in the far western region of the state claimed the Local Champion award.
The Outstanding Organisation award recognises an organisation’s significant contribution and commitment to the advancement of sport for women and girls during the 2020 calendar year, while Anstee’s category recognises an individual involved at club or community level sport for their contribution and commitment to increasing opportunities for women and girls.
Polosak’s achievements as an umpire have inspired many women and girls to take up the role and her work as an umpire educator at Cricket NSW ensures they receive the training and support they need.
“It’s very humbling to receive such an award,” Polosak said.
“Nothing can happen in isolation and without the support of Cricket NSW, the NSW Cricket Umpires’ and Scorers’ Association and my family I wouldn’t have been able to progress along the pathway I have.
“I feel really lucky that I’m in such a position but with that comes a heavy sense of responsibility to ensure that I can help encourage and inspire young women to become involved in officiating and receive opportunities that are commensurate with their ability.”
Minister for Sport Geoff Lee congratulated Polosak and the other winners and said they were breaking down barriers for women’s sport in NSW.
“Women’s sport in NSW continues to grow thanks to the vision, leadership and determination of people like these,” Mr Lee said.
“Through their tireless efforts there are more opportunities for women and girls to participate in sport in NSW.”
Award winners:
Her Sport Her Way Champion:Claire Polosak, Cricket NSW
Trailblazer: Yvette Downey, Head of Competitions, NSW Rugby League
Young Achiever: Shivani Lakha, Tennis NSW Youth Advisory Group
Outstanding Organisation:Cricket NSW
Local Champion:Natasha Anstee, Coach, Workers Gol Gol Cricket Club
The Awards are part of the NSW Government’s women in sport strategy, Her Sport Her Way which aims to increase participation opportunities and attract investment and recognition for women’s sport.
For further information on the Her Sport Her Way Awards, including award categories and winner’s bios visit: https://sport.nsw.gov.au/her-sport-her-way-awards
