By BACT Media Unit – 29 November 2024

The Canberra sporting community came together for the 2024 CBR Sports Awards, held at the Belconnen Arts Centre this week, to celebrate another massive year of achievements on and off the sporting fields, courts, rinks and tracks of the ACT, Australia and the world.

Basketball was well represented on the night, with Basketball ACT nominated for the Minister’s Innovation Award, and young star Ajak Nyuon nominated for 2024 Rising Star Award. While ultimately missing out on taking the 2024 award, recognition of Basketball ACT’s roll-out of Glory League, and Ajak’s stellar season at National Championships and in the Green and Gold at Junior FIBA World Championships and Asian Cup, were highly deserved.

A major highlight for Basketball ACT was the induction of Life Member, Ron Harvey AM CVO, to the ACT Sport Hall of Fame, as an Associate Member, in recognition of his tireless commitment to establishing the sport in the region. From seceding from BNSW and forming our own association, to coaching ACT representative teams, to putting the Cannons on the sporting map, right through to representation on the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and FIFA Boards, Ron’s contribution to basketball, and sport in Australia will long be remembered. Thank you to former Canberra Gunners Justin and Lane Withers for their introduction to Ron’s induction.

The UC Capitals, celebrating their 4oth anniversary this season, also had plenty of reasons to celebrate at the awards night. In front of a big contingent of teams-mates and staff, Jade Melbourne was awarded the 2024 Athlete of the Year – Women, while Carrie Graf AM was also inducted into the ACT Sport Hall of Fame as an Associate Member, alongside Ron Harvey.

The ACT Sport Hall of Fame is open to the public, and located at the UC Sports Hub on campus.

(Photos courtesy of Sport and Recreation ACT and Greg Francis from Discovery One Photography)