Three remarkable individuals will be celebrated for their unwavering commitment and decades of service to WA sport, with the trio set to receive the May Campbell Medal in recognition of their distinguished service, when every level of sport gathers at Optus Stadium on Thursday 6 February for the annual WA Sport Awards.
Penelope (Penny) Tanner-Hoath (Football), Helen Robinson (Netball) and Vicki Delves (Triathlon) will be honoured at Western Australia’s most prestigious sports awards, after contributing combined service of more than a century to sport in the WA community.
SportWest CEO Troy Kirkham acknowledged the critical role volunteers play in community sport and the shining example set by the roles of these individuals over many decades.
“The dedication and commitment of Penny, Helen and Vicki is an absolute inspiration and a shining example of the commitment of volunteers towards sport in communities throughout WA. I can’t wait to celebrate their contributions when all of the WA sporting community comes together on 6 February”, said Mr Kirkham.
The Service to Sport Award recognises the distinguished contribution of individuals to sport or their sporting organisation through long and outstanding service. The three winners exemplify the spirit of volunteerism, going above and beyond to support the growth and success in their sport and in the spirit of May Campbell whom the medal is named after, have all made wide-reaching contributions for the benefit of those enjoying the sport in the WA community.
A trailblazer for the women’s game, Penny Tanner-Hoath represented WA on the field in the 1990’s, donning the black and gold at 11 consecutive national championships and leading the team through two of those tournaments. Her performances in 1995 saw Tanner-Hoath pull on the green and gold with Australia’s ‘B’ team.
But it’s been Penny’s commitment to the game off the field that has left an indelible legacy on the game.
She’s chaired the Football West Women’s Standing Committee, spent time on the Coaches Standing Committee and as a Life Member of Football West, has been a committed women’s football archivist.
In her own right, Tanner-Hoath is veteran in football media, and in 2024 she celebrated 30 years of volunteer service as a broadcaster and journalist. Her commitment to coverage of the women’s game is legendary across Australia, and in 2017 ‘The Women’s Game’ announced the MVP of the A-League Women’s season as voted by members of the media is to receive the Penny Tanner Media MVP Award.
Penny still plays the sport she loves and passionately advocates for safe and inclusive environments for all. And her passion also extends to the Matilda’s alumni where she played a key role in bringing past Matilda’s and WA state team representatives together for the official opening of the Sam Kerr Football Centre in 2023.
It’s been a lifelong love affair between Helen Robinson and the sport of netball 60 years on from stepping into the role of Secretary at the Pingelly Netball Club in 1964.
When Helen moved to Perth in 1969, she continued to serve the game on various local and state level committees for the next 26 years. In this period she became a Bench Official for games at local, state and national level competitions – to this day continuing to volunteer her time as a Bench Official in local competitions and through the Gold Industry Group WA Netball League where she is renowned for her accuracy in keeping records from matches.
Robinson’s passion for the game has been widely shared and she continues to mentor and develop the next generation of Bench Officials. Her skills as an official have been shared with those in WA and around the world. Her expertise has seen her travel to India on multiple occasions to conduct scoring and timing courses and was part of the Netball Australia Technical Officials Advisory Panel from 2000 to 2021 – the first eight years as Panel Chair.
A recipient of the Australian Sports Medal in 2000 for her contribution to Australia’s sporting excellence, and while netball is her first love, she’s extended her voluntary support into other events.
Helen supported the Hopman Cup from 1990 to 2013 and was a volunteer at the successful World Swimming Championships in Perth in 1998.
For more than 30 years, Vicki Delves has maintained an incredible passion for triathlon.
She was a founding member of the City Triathlon Club in 1993 where she’s filled the role of Head Coach, TRYStars Program Coordinator and President.
To foster inclusivity for women, Delves founded the Women’s Triathlon Academy in 1997 and after 27 years it has stood the test of time to be guiding light in forging a path for women in triathlon.
Vicki has extended her support into women’s cycling education sessions and support for the Weetbix Triathlon and Women’s Triathlon. She’s also been the lead escort rider at Busselton for 5 years and marshal at School Sport WA triathlon events for many years.
Vicki has reached into other sporting endeavours as a member of the School Sport WA Board, a Coach and Manager for School Sport WA cross country running and cricket teams, and as a member of the WA Course Advisory Committee for Physical Education Studies for the Schools Curriculum and Standards Authority.
In 2024, Vicki was bestowed Life Membership of Triathlon WA reflecting her long and distinguished contribution to the sport for more than three decades.
The 2024 WA Sport Awards will be presented on Thursday, 6 February 2025 at Optus Stadium. Tickets are on sale now, purchase your ticket HERE.
More information
Hannah Lawton – Events Manager: events@sportwest.com.au
Bronte Vause – Communications Manager: brontevause@sportwest.com.au
Matt Bamford – Member & Partnerships Manager: mattbamford@sportwest.com.au or 0419 287 024
