Australian sporting legend Ric Charlesworth AM was last night crowned the inaugural recipient of the AIS World’s Best Award for his outstanding contribution as an Olympic and Commonwealth Games hockey player, coach and leader.

Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor MP bestowed the honour on Charlesworth, on behalf of Minister for Sport Peter Dutton. As part of the award ceremony the main AIS theatrette in Canberra was renamed the Charlesworth Theatrette.

“There is no doubt Ric Charlesworth embodies the attributes of being world’s best,” Mr Taylor told the award ceremony.

“Few people boast a CV as decorated and varied as Ric’s. 

“A medical doctor, member of Federal Parliament, author, first class cricketer, member of five Olympic teams, World Cup winner, member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and coach of multiple Champions Trophy, World Cup, Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games medal and trophy winning teams” Mr Taylor said.

The Minister for Sport Peter Dutton said Ric Charlesworth had been a central figure in making and keeping Australian hockey teams the best in the world for decades.

“I congratulate Ric on receiving this prestigious honour and thank him for the remarkable contribution he has made to Australian sport.

“I am also pleased that Ric will continue to share his expertise through his on-going work in high performance sport including mentoring of future sports leaders and coaches.”

To recognise the newly named Charlesworth Theatrette, the Charlesworth family has provided on permanent loan to the AIS a painting of Ric completed for the Archibald prize by Western Australian artist and former Australian hockey player Lesley Meaney.

The AIS World’s Best Award will be presented to an individual from the fields of coaching, leadership, sports science, sports medicine or administration and will only be presented if there is a worthy recipient who has made an outstanding contribution to Australian performances over a long period of time, is recognised nationally and internationally for excellence and whose performance outcomes transcend their specific sport.

For further information please contact the Minister’s office on 02 6277 7220