The awards presented recognised SASI’s top athletes, staff and coaches across a range of categories, acknowledging their outstanding contributions and achievements over the past 12 months.

The winners included:

• SASI Para Athlete of the Year – Jed Altschwager and Nikki Ayers (Para-rowing)
• SASI Female Athlete of the Year – Meg Harris (Swimming)
• SASI Male Athlete of the Year – Kyle Chalmers (Swimming)
• SASI Junior Female Athlete of the Year – Lucy Voyvodic (Netball)
• SASI Junior Male Athlete of the Year – Tayte Ryan (Cycling)
• SASI Coach of the Year – Christine MacLaren (Rowing)

In 2023, SASI athletes put the world on notice ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, claiming 10 gold, 14 silver and 10 bronze medals across world championship events.

While the athletic achievements of our top athletes were showcased on the night, other accomplishments within the SASI community were also celebrated, highlighting the team’s dedication to excellence on and off the field.

The Amy Gillett-Safe Award was presented to Para-rowing World Champion Jed Altschwager – this is awarded annually as a memorial to one of SASI’s and Australia’s finest athletes and recognises an individual’s commitment to sport through passion and persistence.

Other award winners included SASI sport program athletes of the year, and the SASI Service to Sport Award which went to Head of Physical Preparation Luke Knappstein for his commitment to the SASI values of teamwork, excellence, courage and energy.

It was also a momentous night for SASI Director Wes Battams, where after 26 years of service, he celebrated his last day as SASI Director before heading into retirement.

During Wes’ time at SASI, 11,000 scholarships have been offered to more than 4,600 athletes and he has led the SASI team through six Olympic/Paralympic cycles.

Click here for full list of winners.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Katrine Hildyard

I wholeheartedly congratulate all award winners and nominees on their outstanding efforts this year and on their incredible hard work and perseverance.

SASI athletes make a significant contribution to South Australia’s sporting success on the world stage, and they play a crucial role in promoting physical activity and health to all South Australians.

SASI athletes inspire our future sporting stars and are role models within our community; seeing these athletes in action is inspiring so many others to believe in themselves, ‘have a go’ and enjoy the physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing benefits
that doing so brings.

Congratulations and thank you to all at SASI who continually lift each other up and empower our South Australian athletes.

Thank you so much to Wes Battams who, for 26 years, has been there for athletes, coaches and officials, empowering their leadership, supporting their journey to success on the world stage and making an indelible mark on the South Australian sporting landscape. I wish him the very best for all that lies ahead.

Quotes attributable to SASI Director Wes Battams

This past year has been another shining example of the extraordinary efforts that the SASI team put in to achieve greatness on the national and international stage.

It’s fantastic to be able to come together and celebrate these accomplishments on SASI’s night of nights and a particularly special occasion for me as I attend my last awards event as SASI Director.

The outstanding achievements and reputation of our SASI athletes, programs and staff is hard won, well deserved and a testament to them all.

Reflecting on the highlights from this year is an exciting sign of what lies ahead in 2024 and I trust that the culture of excellence at SASI will endure for generations to come.

Quotes attributable to SASI Junior Female Athlete of the Year Lucy Voyvodic

I would like to thank the entire SASI team for giving me the opportunity to improve my on-court skills and personal development in a high-performance environment.

In particular I’d like to say a huge thank you to Jenny, Steve, Scott and Jacqui – you’re an inspirational team of mentors and coaches.

And whilst I’m still known for my lack of coordination, thank you for minimising the amount of time I spend fallen over on the ground – it’s definitely hard to play good netball down there.

It’s a great honour to receive this award given how many amazing athletes could have easily been picked so thank you very much.