The Daphne Pirie AO MBE Spirit of Sport Media has been awarded to another extremely worthy recipient at the 52nd annual Gold Coast Sports Star Awards, with disabled sport advocate Anna-Louise Kassulke receiving this year’s honour.
It would be nearly impossible to think of anyone more deserving of the Spirit of Sport Medal, awarded each year to an athlete, coach or administrator who has demonstrated long and meritorious involvement in their chosen sporting pursuits and also demonstrates the true meaning of sportsmanship.
Anna-Louise embodies everything that sports administration should be about, harnessing the power of sport as an outlet for change and happiness: a true leader and advocate for inclusion and innovation.
-
Anna-Louise accepts the prestigious award from “her idol and mentor” -Daphne Pirie AO MBE -
The Medal carries much significance and has been awarded to some of the City’s most outstanding athletes, administrators and volunteers
Her work in the sport and disability sector stretches over 30 years, with countless hours of work in various organisations and committees, such as Special Olympics Queensland and Special Olympics Australia.
The deserving recipient’s roles in these organisations have seen her lead delegations of Australia’s Special Olympics Teams at World Games on multiple occasions, and lead the way as a true advocate for our disabled athletes in this country.
More locally, Anna-Louise is the current CEO of Gold Coast Recreation & Sport Inc, an organisation dedicated to providing sporting opportunities to people with a disability here in our proud sporting city.
The prestigious accolade’s namesake Daphne Pirie AO MBE presented Anna-Louise with the award and praised her amazing work.
“This brilliant woman embodies the very best of Australian spirit and displays selfishness and willingness to help others achieve their potential in sport regardless of ability,” Mrs Pirie said
“She embraces every person, demonstrating equality day-in, day-out, ensuring the involvement of people with disabilities in our business, social and sporting lives is as inclusive as it is unconditional.
“This amazing citizen makes us proud to be Australian.”
Anna-Louise spoke passionately and appreciatively about the Gold Coast sporting community and the way it embraces inclusiveness. Photo: SportsPics
As far as innovation and inclusion in sport goes, Anna-Louise is about as good as it gets.
She is a leader in the truest sense of the word and we are extremely lucky to call her our latest Daphne Pirie Spirit of Sport Medalist.
