On Tuesday, 26 August, the iconic MCG hosted an unforgettable evening as the 2025 Victorian Disability Sport & Recreation (DSR) Awards celebrated the people, programs and communities championing inclusion through sport and recreation.
Football Victoria (FV) All Abilities & Inclusion Programs Coordinator, Selin Arapaci was named Administrator of the Year, recognising her tireless efforts in the sector over the past twelve months.
"This recognition reflects the effort to grow Disability Football at Football Victoria and beyond," Arpaci said.
"It’s been inspiring to see more clubs embracing inclusion and creating opportunities for players with disability, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for the game in Victoria."
DSR CEO, Liz Tesone said it was "wonderful" to celebrate the incredible achievements of the finalists and winners at the awards night.
"Each of you is truly inspiring, and we are all fortunate to share this evening in your company. I’m moved by the work happening across the industry to embed disability into the community, and it’s impossible to walk away from this event without feeling inspired by the talent and dedication in the room," she said.
FV would also like to acknowledge Melbourne City's Powerchair Team for being crowned Team of the Year.
The 2025 Awards celebrated achievements across 12 categories, each recognising the vital roles individuals, teams and organisations play in creating an inclusive landscape in Victoria.
The evening was more than an awards ceremony, it was a celebration of community, resilience and the shared belief that sport and recreation should be accessible to all.
One word captured the spirit of the evening: joy. Award recipients spoke about the profound joy that sport and community bring, not only to people with disability, but to everyone involved. Volunteers, families, coaches and teammates all share in this joy, creating a powerful sense of connection and belonging.
It was a theme that resonated as winners took the stage, reminding us that inclusion enriches every part of the sport and recreation community.
The 2025 Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Award recipients are:
- Kevin Coombs Lifetime Achievement Award : Jane Baker - Riding for the Disabled Association of Victoria (Moorabbin)
- Community Team Member of the Year Sponsored by VicHealth: Katherine (Katie) Kaminsky - Adaptive Climbing Victoria
- Administrator of the Year Sponsored by My Sport Live: Selin-Deniz Arpaci - Football Victoria, Therese Dogra - Freedom Solutions Australia
- Volunteer of the Year Sponsored by etrainu, Veronica Treloar - Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club
- Highly Commended: Brooke Carter - Victorian Goalball Association
- Coach/Fitness Leader of the Year Sponsored by The Owl Insights: Tan Ke (Tom) Xie - Special Olympics Melbourne Inner East, Tara Lake - Balwyn, Gymnastics Club and Special Olympics, Melbourne Inner East
- Masters Sportsperson of the Year Sponsored by Carbine Club: Assunta Fogliaro -Sport Climbing Australia
- Marg Angel Junior Sportsperson of the Year Sponsored by Protect: Bonnie McCarroll - Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club
- Team of the Year Sponsored by Inspire Group: Melbourne City Powerchair Team - Melbourne City Football Club
- Inclusive Infrastructure Award (Sport, Recreation or Open Space) Sponsored by VicHealth: The All Abilities Skate Frame, Riverslide Skate Park - The Y, Als Skate Co and City of Melbourne
- Active Recreation and Leisure Initiative of the Year Sponsored by Clublinks: Walking and Rolling Together: Accessible Walking Paths for People with Disability - Victoria Walks
- Sport Initiative or Event of the Year Sponsored by Reclink Australia: Aqua Fit Program - Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria and Hume Leisure, Broadmeadows Aquatic & Leisure Centre.
- Elite Sportsperson of the Year Sponsored by In Place Living: India Biesse Fitton - Special Olympics Australia, Multiclass Sports Association and Sports Inclusion Australia, Dan Pritchard - Victorian Goalball Association