Victoria University (VU) and Sport Australia Hall of Fame (SAHOF) have extended their partnership for another year, marking 2021 as a decade of partnership.
The Sport Australia Hall of Fame exists to preserve and celebrate the history of Australian sport; and to inspire all Australians to achieve their potential both in sport and life. Built around the inspirational words of their inaugural Inductee and sporting Legend Sir Donald Bradman AC, the Sport Australia Hall of Fame is determined to convey to Australians everywhere the symbol of excellence as represented by its 578 Members across all sports and genders.
Victoria University is ranked in the top ten globally for sport science education in the Shanghai Ranking: Academic Rankings of World Universities. As leaders in the field, they offer over 40 sports-related courses at undergraduate, postgraduate and vocational education (TAFE) levels. VU’s research in human movement and sport science has a world-class reputation and has collaborations with leading sports organisations including FIFA, San Antonio Spurs, Tennis Australia and Western Bulldogs. VU’s vast network provides workplace learning and employment opportunities to students. These career-focused placements provide with on the job experience that translate into workplace achievements.
VU’s long term partnership with SAHOF commenced in 2010, and is built on shared values including; excellence in sport, a proud history of Australian sport and providing thought leadership to the next generation of athletes, students and sports administrators.
The partnership has seen the introduction of the National Sport Integrity Forum, which has grown significantly since its inception in 2016 and is now an annual event. In 2020, both teams collaborated on the National Sport Integrity Forum, Return to Sport, Risks, Rewards, Opportunities, delivering the event in under four weeks. Over 450 watched the event live, making it one of our largest Integrity Forums and the most widely viewed across the nation. “Sport Integrity continues to dominate debate and policy in sport, I am proud that VU will continue to provide thought leadership, through the National Sport Integrity Forum for our nation’s sporting leaders”, said Professor Corinne Reid, Provost (Interim) and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research.
Over the years, SAHOF Members have participated in guest lectures and events. Even the SAHOF CEO, Adrianne Sarkozy has provided career advice to students. In September 2020, VU invited SAHOF Chair John Bertrand AO to speak alongside Lord Sebastian Coe KBE, at the live-streamed Future of Sport event. This international event welcomed over 300 attendees from Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Europe.
VU Students have also undertaken placements and research projects. One example is highlighted in the story about SAHOF’s own, Chris Little. Chris studied at VU, completed placement at SAHOF and is now Heritage Coordinator working alongside the prestigious Selection Committee to identify new SAHOF Members and Awardees including The Don Award.
The global spread of COVID-19 was rapid and continues to affect us all in different ways. During these times, we have learnt to pivot and challenge our norm to ensure that we stay connected and adjust to the situation as it unfolds. Regardless of what 2021 throws at us, we are confident our partnership will continue to grow and deliver meaningful thought leadership for SAHOF’s audiences and the sporting community across the country.
