Hosted by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation in Melbourne, the Awards ceremony recognised Good Sports clubs and their dedicated volunteers from across the country who are passionate about community, their members and making their club the very best it can be.

East Torrens Baseball Club was crowned South Australia Good Sports Club of the Year for their holistic approach to building a supportive and inclusive environment for members to stay active and healthy.

“Maintaining a safe and caring environment for our members is a responsibility we take seriously at East Torrens Baseball Club – not just through supporting their physical wellbeing and mental health, but also prioritising inclusivity so everyone in our multicultural community feels welcome,” said club Secretary Angela Probert.

“Good Sports supports us to achieve this vision through the program’s guidance, direction and support for all our policies, procedures and requirements in order for us to run a successful season each year.”

The Good Sports Awards are the ultimate trophy for any Good Sports club, paying tribute to the heart and soul of community sporting clubs – no matter their size or sporting code.

Alcohol and Drug Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Erin Lalor, praised this year’s winners as community champions.

“Every Good Sports Award nominee, finalist and winner should be incredibly proud of their contribution to keeping their community safe on and off the field,” said Dr Lalor.

“We hope that the Awards have given clubs an opportunity to reflect on their wins and celebrate their achievements, especially for clubs who were affected once again by COVID-19 restrictions.”

Good Sports is Australia’s largest community health sports program helping build strong community sporting clubs across Australia for over 20 years.

In South Australia, Good Sports is funded by the Australian Government and the South Australian Government through the THINK! Road Safety Partnerships program and managed by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation.

“Sporting clubs that model healthy behaviours are leaders in their community, and over 1,300 Good Sports clubs in South Australia play an important role to prevent and reduce harms from alcohol and other drugs,” Dr Lalor explained.

The South Australia Good Sports Awards winners were:

SA Club of the Year: East Torrens Baseball Club

SA Club of the Year Runner Up: Fitzroy Community Club

SA Volunteer of the Year: Anne Foreman from Robe Golf Club

SA Volunteer of the Year Runner Up: Giannina Taeger from Fitzroy Community Club

National Mental Health Award: Goodwood Saints Football Club

National Safe Transport Club Runner Up: Rapid Bay Cricket Club

Good Sports is proven to reduce risky drinking at participating clubs by 37% and has seen a reduction of alcohol-related accidents among Good Sports club members and supporters of 42%.

Good Sports clubs enjoy greater rates of participation from their communities, particularly by women and children.

You can find the full list of this year’s Good Sports Awards winners and finalists on the Good Sports website: https://goodsports.com.au/awards