The 30th annual Hunter Region Sporting Hall of Fame is currently open for nominations for the 2022 intake, with an induction ceremony to be held at Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club on July 28th.
The Hunter Region Sporting Hall of Fame, coordinated by the Hunter Academy of Sport (HAS), is made up of over 400 top athletes who have represented Australia or competed in an international tournament and were born and/or played in the Hunter region at the junior or senior level.
Last year ten athletes were recognized and received the elite honour of being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 at the time of event, no formal occasion was held. Those inducted were:
- Adam Clarke (Speedway)
- Shaun Swadling (Trampoline)
- Anthony Peden (Cycling)
- Corey Brown (Jockey)
- Craig Bird (Aussie Rules Football)
- Luke Egan (Surfing)
- Henry Maunder* (Football)
- Tonny Jensen (Basketball)
- Ben Behrends* (Surf Boat Rowing)
- Bill Behrends* (Surf Boat Rowing)
*deceased
The 2022 intake of athletes will join the likes of well-known Novocastrian’s Jenni Screen, Ray Baartz, Mark Richards and Danny Buderus, to name a few.
To be eligible to be inducted into the Hunter Region Sporting Hall of Fame nominees must have represented Australia as an athlete or official at an authorised event, must be retired from their professional sport and born or competed/officiated for a team/association in the Hunter Region.
Brett O’Farrell, Chief Executive Officer of HAS said of the event, “We are very excited to yet again host the Hunter Region Sporting Hall of Fame. It is a great chance to recognize and celebrate the careers of athletes in the Hunter Region with their family and friends, and to honor the impact that sport has on our region.”
“This year will be our 30th event, and we look forward to showcasing the amazing talent we have right here in the Hunter Region,” he finished.
For more information on how to nominate, please visit www.hunteracademy.org.au/hall-of-fame Nominations will close Monday, 27th June.