Every year since 1979, athletes from NSW that have achieved the highest level in their sporting field, are nominated and selected to appear in this sports museum that comes to life with memorabilia, photos and nostalgic moments.
The sporting players gracing the NSW Hall of Champions in 2020, include Kerri Pottharst, volleyball; Harry Williams, football; Mark Webber, motor sports; Mick Fanning, surfing; and Naomi Flood, kayaking.
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee was thrilled to induct the 2020 sports superstars.
“The NSW Hall of Champions is a fantastic way to pay homage to NSW’s most elite athletes, who have gone above and beyond in their specialised field,” Dr Lee said.
“Highlighting these sporting achievements through the exhibition at Sydney Olympic Park, aims to educate and inspire the future generation, helping them realise that nothing is beyond their reach.”
The Champions join over 383 sportspeople from 56 different sporting backgrounds, including sporting icons such as Sir Donald Bradman, Dawn Fraser, Shane Gould and Dally Messenger and more recently Layne Beachley and Louise Sauvage.
This year, Rugby Union’s Mark Ella AM is celebrating an elevation to Legend status, making him the first Rugby Union Legend and 23rd Legend in the Hall overall.
The Legend status, introduced in 2007, recognises those champions who represent the greatest of the great in their field.
“After considering all past Legends and looking at the Sports successes, we agreed that Mark Ella would be an excellent nomination for Legend,” selection committee member Alan Whelpton AO said.
The iconic Wallabies captain said he was “honoured and delighted to be considered a Legend”.
The NSW Hall of Champions is a free exhibition at the Quaycentre in Sydney Olympic Park. Find out more at quaycentre.com.au/NSW-Hall-of-Champions.
