The Territory's most outstanding athletes and sporting contributors were celebrated at the 2025 NT Sports Awards last night.
Making history on the night, 15-year-old swimmer Macey Sheridan was crowned NT Sportsperson of the Year, becoming the youngest recipient of the award in recent history.
Macey's meteoric rise in the sport continues, having previously won the NT Junior Sportsperson of the Year award in 2024.
As the first Northern Territory swimmer selected for Swimming Australia's Flippers Squad, Macey is a future contender for the Australian swim team.
Junior Sportsperson of the Year, Muay Thai athlete Skyla Chatterton, has proven herself on the international stage.
Representing Australia as part of the International Federation of Muaythai Associations Australian Team, Skyla ranked third in the world for her age and division, securing a bronze medal.
Minister for People, Sport and Culture Jinson Charls congratulated all winners, acknowledging the significant role sport plays in the Territory.
"It's inspiring to see young athletes like Macey and Skyla making their mark on the sporting world, and I look forward to watching their journeys unfold," said Mr Charls.
"It was an honour to be part of this year's event and to hear how much of an impact these winners have made on our community."
Local sporting legends were also recognised, with three-time NT Sportsperson of the Year Desmond Abbott inducted into the Hall of Champions recognising his international achievements in hockey representing Australian in both the Olympic and Commonwealth games.
Stewart Cox OAM was posthumously awarded the Roll of Honour Award with his wife, Marian, attending the awards to accept the award.
2022 NT Junior Sportsperson of the Year Emma Stark was presented with the Steve Abala Role Model Award for her leadership both on and off the field, advocating for gender equality and diversity in sport.
Emma, an accomplished athlete and umpire, has broken barriers in Australian sport.
With a background in netball and a passion for officiating, she made history at just 16 years of age, becoming the youngest field umpire to officiate in an elite AFL competition at the 2022 AFLW.
The event highlighted the importance of those who contribute behind the scenes, with awards presented for coaching excellence, officiating, volunteering, and sports safety.
"Sport brings people together, encourages us to challenge ourselves, and helps us live active and healthy lives. Whether you're performing or supporting these athletes from the sidelines, you play an important role in our community," said Mr Charls.
The 2025 NT Sports Awards Winners are:
Sportsperson of the Year: Macey Sheridan (Swimming)Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Skyla Chatterton (Muay Thai)Masters Sportsperson of the Year: Marc Woods (Athletics)Team of the Year: Northern Territory Judo TeamLocal Performance of the Year: Arafura Calisthenics Club JuniorsEric Johnston Coach of the Year: Bradley Fong (Judo)Official of the Year: Katherine Reynolds (Swimming)Volunteer of the Year: Malcolm Hales (Australian Rules Football)Karen Schneider Sports Medicine Australia Safer Sport Award: Sharyn Morcom (Rugby Union, Athletics, Australian Rules Football)Hall of Champions Inductee: Desmond Abbott (Hockey)Roll of Honour Award: Stewart Cox OAMSteve Abala Role Model Award: Emma Stark
