Australian Sports Medal

The Australian Sports Medal: Awarded during the year 2000, as Sydney hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Medal was not restricted to athletes and others connected with the Games. The Medal recognised a cross-section of those whose efforts have made Australia a nation of sporting excellence. These include former competitors and those who have provided the support base of sport, for example, coaches, sports scientists, office holders, and those who maintain sports facilities and provide transport. The majority of Medals presented were awarded to persons following their nomination by the sports community itself. Peak sports bodies recognised or funded by the Australian Sports Commission were given quotas according to a formula based on the number of their registered competitors. All Australian parliamentarians were able to nominate persons from any sport enabling other persons whose contribution transcended one area of sporting activity to be recognised. Over 18,000 Australian Sports Medals were progressively distributed and presented during the year 2000. The Medal design symbolises Australian sport with imagery of a partial view of the Australian Sports Stadium and a sky filled with the stars of the Southern Cross. The reverse repeats the stadium design with the numeral "2000". The ribbon's colours are Australia's national (and sporting) colours of green and gold. The Australian Sports Medal does not carry post-nominals.