Territory sporting excellence celebrated at 2026 NT Sports Awards
NT athletes, coaches and volunteers were honoured at the 2026 NT Sports Awards in Darwin, celebrating excellence from grassroots to elite sport.
The Northern Territory’s top athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers were recognised at the 2026 NT Sports Awards, held in Darwin on Saturday night.
The awards celebrate achievement across all levels of sport, from grassroots participation to elite international performance, and highlight the role sport plays in connecting Territory communities.
Jake Weatherald received the evening’s highest honour, Sportsperson of the Year, for his achievements in cricket at national and international level.
Two new categories were introduced in 2026:
- Regional Performance of the Year
- Para-Athlete of the Year.
These new categories strengthen the awards’ focus on inclusion and representation.
The inaugural Regional Performance of the Year was awarded to Lachlan Dunemann, while Tom O’Neill-Thorne received Para-Athlete of the Year.
2026 NT Sports Awards winners
- Sportsperson of the Year: Jake Weatherald (Cricket)
- Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Skyla Chatterton (Muay Thai)
- Team of the Year: World Aquatics Masters Swimming NT Team (Swimming)
- Volunteer of the Year: Chris Ponter (Cricket)
- Regional Performance of the Year: Lachlan Dunemann (AFL, Cricket, Darts)
- Local Performance of the Year: Tracy Village Razorbacks Women Div 1 (AFL)
- Masters Sportsperson of the Year: Anne Walker (Swimming)
- Para-Athlete of the Year: Tom O’Neill-Thorne (Wheelchair Basketball)
- Eric Johnston Coach of the Year: Michelle Caden (Hockey)
- Official of the Year: Paul Carter (Swimming)
- Karen Schneider Safer Sport Award: Trent de With (Athletics – Parkrun)
Honorary awards were also presented to recognise long-term contribution to Territory sport. Andrew McLeod was inducted into the Hall of Champions, Tom O’Neill-Thorne received the Steve Abala Role Model Award, and Beverley Sinclair, Amanda Bagley and Jason Eecen were added to the Roll of Honour.
