The Sport Australia Hall of Fame (SAHOF) is proud to announce that former Australian Prime Ministers, the Hon Robert (Bob) Hawke AC and the Hon John Howard OM AC have been appointed as Co-Patrons of SAHOF.
Hon John Howard OM AC, Hon Robert (Bob) Hawke AC, John Bertrand AM
The Sport Australia Hall of Fame is the most prestigious sporting institution in the country, honouring over 200 years of Australian sporting achievement with its 525 Members representing the pinnacle of sporting excellence. Established in 1985, it recognises, preserves and celebrates our nation’s greatest sporting achievements across both genders, all sports, and on and off the field of play.
SAHOF Chairman, Mr John Bertrand AM said, “Mr Hawke and Mr Howard are two of our country’s longest serving leaders. Despite being from opposing sides of the political fence, both are renowned for their passion for sport and their understanding of the value of sport to our nation. Their appointment as Co-Patrons of The Sport Australia Hall of Fame depicts the way in which sport unites all Australians.
Sport and perhaps more specifically, the ‘spirit of sport’ has been a fundamental building block for our young nation. The values of trust, respect, sportsmanship and the sense of a fair go, are all part of the value system of sport in Australia. The ‘spirit of sport’ instills these values, particularly in our young, as they benchmark, develop and shape their own lives. Today, more than ever, we need to re-assert the best values of sport. Our children need positive role models and our SAHOF Members stand among the most influential people of our nation.” said Mr Bertrand.
Both Mr Hawke, Australia’s longest serving Labor Prime Minister (1983-1991) and Mr Howard, Australia’s second-longest serving Prime Minister (1996-2007) have been strong supporters of the enormous contribution that sport makes to Australia and how sport bridges various social and other divides that may exist in the community.
On accepting the appointment, Mr Howard said; “Sport has always expressed so much of what is good, competitive and energetic about Australia, and I am delighted to join Bob Hawke as a Co-Patron of The Sport Australia Hall of Fame.”
“Australia’s love of, and excellence in sport crosses all political boundaries and therefore, like John Howard, I am delighted to join together with him and John Bertrand in helping to advance the good work of The Sport Australia Hall of Fame”, said Mr Hawke.
Mr Hawke and Mr Howard have joined together with SAHOF’s Chairman Mr John Bertrand to lead the newly developed “Foundation Partner” program to support and grow the foundations of The Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
Sport is a defining part of Australian social culture and The Sport Australia Hall of Fame plays a very important role in preserving, perpetuating and celebrating the nation’s rich sporting heritage, serving as an inspiration to all Australians and exciting the next generation to achieve their potential both in sport and in life.
