22 January 2021
Dual Olympic gold medallist and Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Board member Jenn Morris OAM is calling on the community to nominate women who have demonstrated outstanding service to sport for an Order of Australia award.
Ms Morris was a member of the Australian Women’s hockey team the Hockeyroos that won consecutive gold medals at the Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
In 1997, she received a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to sport as a gold medallist at the Atlanta Olympics Games. It is a moment she remembers fondly.
“I remember being in that team and when we won the gold medal, thinking what a privilege it was to be able to do this, so to be recognised even further with a Medal of the Order of Australia is something I consider to be very precious,” Ms Morris said.
“I think back to why I received this honour and it’s just sport, but sport is incredibly important. Playing sport can improve our health and wellbeing and help us connect with our local community, but it can also inspire us to achieve our very best, whether that’s on the field or elsewhere.”
Image courtesy of Getty Images.
Ms Morris is helping further champion the value of sport through her role on the ASC Board, a position she has held since 2015.
She says it’s a complex role but one she thoroughly enjoys. She loves sport at all levels but is particularly passionate about getting more Australians involved in grassroots sport.
Born in Maryborough on Queensland’s Fraser Coast in 1972, she credits her parents and coaches for helping her reach sport’s highest level.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my parents and coaches who gave up their time to help me achieve my dream,” she said.
Ms Morris is calling on the local community to help shine a light on female sporting volunteers and administrators and the important role they play, by nominating them for an Order of Australia award.
The award recognises Australians who have demonstrated outstanding service or exceptional achievement, and anyone can nominate a member of the community for the award.
“If you know someone doing great work at your local or national sporting club, I encourage you to go online and nominate them. Let’s celebrate their great work and dedication to sport on a national stage,” she said.
To nominate someone for an award visit https://www.gg.gov.au/australian-honours-and-awards/nominate-someone-award
Sport Australia has also partnered with Volunteering Australia to support and encourage volunteers of all ages, genders and abilities back to sport following COVID-19. Read about the partnership here.