Cooper Ellis from Narara has been named 2024 Young Official of the Year at the 2024 NSW Community Sports Awards.
The awards night, presented by Sports NSW and conducted at CommBank Stadium, recognised outstanding achievements and contributions to community sport in NSW over the past year which is largely carried out by a volunteer workforce.
Ellis was one of 12 category recipients to receive their award at the ceremony hosted by NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper.
Ellis was honoured for his outstanding success and contribution to basketball as a referee over the past year.
Ellis’ most significant achievement was his appointment to officiate the 2023 Basketball Australia U16 National Championships grand final.
He was also appointed to the U18 Boys Basketball NSW Junior Premier League grand final as well as the 2023 Basketball NSW Senior League finals.
Ellis also worked as a referee instructor at the Basketball NSW U12s Jamboree in Port Macquarie.
In addition, he worked as a referee instructor in junior league competitions as well as being a score table official for his home club the Central Coast Waves.
Sport NSW Chairperson Chris Hall congratulated Ellis on winning his award and paid tribute to all finalists.
“The NSW Community Sports Awards are the highest honours for community and grassroots sport in the state.,” Hall said.
“It is fitting these award recipients and finalists are recognised and honoured.
“We applaud Cooper for his countless hours of unwavering work at the coalface of sport.
“It is because of his loyal and dedicated service that thousands of men and women, boys and girls enjoy the health, social and community benefits sport provides.
“Sport in NSW relies on people such as Cooper who have voluntarily dedicated their time.
“Without our army of volunteers, sport could not be played each week.
“Sport remains at the heart of communities across NSW and has the unique ability to bring people from different cultures and backgrounds together.”
The awards evening also celebrated 21 recipients of Distinguished Long Service Awards honouring individuals across a broad range of sports who have given exceptional service to their sport over a period of decades.