18 2017 Victorian Sport Award winners Winners of the 2017 Swisse Victorian Young Team of the Year Award, Junior Aerodance Team, Gymnastics with the Hon. John Eren, Minister for Sport and Alison McNeill (Swisse). Cadel Evans’ mother Helen Cocks receiving the award for Outstanding Contribution to Sport on his behalf with the Hon. Jon Eren, Minister for Sport. 2017 VICTORIAN SPORT AWARDS The Victorian Sport Awards were held on Wednesday 14 March 2017 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and attracted 350 guests. The flagship event brought together many of the state’s premier athletes and grassroots heroes. A highlight of the evening included an entertaining speech from Cadel Evans’ mother, Helen Cocks, upon receiving the Outstanding Contribution to Victorian Sport Award on behalf of her son. The night also saw Rugby League star Cameron Smith awarded Male Athlete of the Year and mogul skier Britt Cox awarded Female Athlete of the Year. Judging was done on performances during the 2017 calendar year. The Hon John Eren, Minister for Sport said: “The Awards saw the recognition of some wonderful Victorians who do so much for others and our great state and on behalf of the government I congratulate you all. Sport is about community. Victoria wouldn’t be the sporting capital without the hard work of our volunteers, players and fans the very people that make our local clubs tick”. Steven Gatt (Sports Accounting Australia) with Muriel Aberline, winner of the 2017 Sports Accounting Australia Community Official of the Year Award and the Hon. John Eren, Minister for Sport. Vicsport Chairman, Ron Gauci, and the Hon. John Eren, Minister for Sport. 2017 VicHealth CEO, Jerril Rechter, Tina McCarthy, winner of the 2017 VicHealth Victorian Outdoor/ Active Recreation Initiative of the Year Award and Vicsport Chairman, Ron Gauci.