- Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events
Victorian snowboarding legend Scotty James has capped another stellar year on the international halfpipe circuit, taking out the prestigious Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) Award of Excellence.
James notched a third consecutive FIS World Championship title and recorded Dew Tour, X Games, US Grand Prix, LAAX Open and US Open victories during a stand-out 12 months.
James bagged the Award of Excellence for a second successive year, reinforcing the triple Olympian's sustained excellence.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula congratulated James and the other winners, who were announced at the Victorian Institute of Sport Awards ceremony that was held tonight.
Other VIS Awards category winners included:
- Dylan Alcott - five-time Australian Open tennis champion: Para Athlete Award
- Amy Lawton - Hockeyroo and Jemima Montag - Commonwealth Games gold medal race walker: Rising Star Award winners
- Renae Ingles - retiring Vixens and Australian netballer: Sarah Tait Spirit Award
- Mitchell Gourley - bronze medal Men's Slalom Standing winner at 2019 World Para Alpine Skiing Championships: Performance Lifestyle Award.
The VIS Awards recognise Victorian athletes at the very top of their game who have displayed excellence in their field and a passion for the promotion and development of their sport.
The Andrews Labor Government provides $6.7 million annual funding to the VIS, supporting the efforts of around 260 athletes to compete on the world stage.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula
"James' skill and courage on the halfpipe has left snowboarding fans around the world breathless and has taken the sport to a new level."
"This latest VIS Award of Excellence caps off a spectacular year for Scotty. Congratulations to all the other honoured athletes – their performances and passion for their sports have done Victoria proud."
"VIS athletes, coaches and staff do an outstanding job and we're proud to back our elite performers to take on the world."
