National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sports Awards
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sports Awards were first held in 1986 and recognize the sporting achievements of Indigenous and Islander athletes. The Awards have not been held since 2003. Background. The inaugural National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sports Awards were held at Adelaide's Hilton International Hotel on 6 September 1986. The Awards were established to pay tribute to the contribution of Aboriginal men and women to Australian and international sport. Charlie Perkins, Secretary of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs, strongly supported the establishment of the Awards and obtained  Australian Government funding. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission continued funding after the Department ceased to exist. Australian business also assisted with sponsorship. Sydney Jackson, a champion Australian rules footballer and sports administrator made the following statements regarding the establishment of the Awards: "the most exciting thing that has happened in Aboriginal sport outside individual achievement" and "recognition of Aboriginal sports men and women will go a long way towards encouraging you Aboriginal athletes to preserve in the development of their natural talents." Clyde Holding, the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs stated at the inaugural Awards that "'formal recognition of  the big contribution made to Australian sport by Aboriginals is long overdue." The inaugural Awards aimed to be a gala event replicating the ABC Sports Award of the Year and Australian Sport Awards ceremonies. Due to the costs of holding the Awards, it was proposed to hold them every two years. Until 2003 the Awards were televised by either SBS or the ABC. Award ceremonies generally included performances by talented Aboriginal performers. David Gulpilil danced at the inaugural Awards. Winners. 1st 1986. The inaugural Awards recognized a high number of former Aboriginal athletes. It was reported that "never before had  so many Aboriginal sporting champions congregated in one place". At the Awards, Evonne Goolagong Cawley received her Sport Australia Hall of Fame gold medallion. She joined Lionel Rose and Polly Farmer as the only Aboriginal members of the Hall of Fame in 1986.