Celebrity Finalists Announced for Father's Day Award
Ten of Australia's most inspiring sports dads have been selected as finalists for the 2024 Philips Celebrity Sports Dad of the Year Award. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the award, which has become a cherished tradition ahead of Father’s Day, recognising athletes who excel not only in their sport but also in their roles as devoted fathers.
The 2024 finalists represent a diverse array of sports, from footy to motorsport, Olympic and Paralympic competitions, each one a testament to the dedication and love they bring to both their sport and their families.
The 2024 nominees for the Philips Celebrity Sports Dad of the Year are (in no particular order):
Nic White - Rugby; Wallabies / Western Force
David Reynolds - Supercar; 2017 Bathurst winner
Brenden Hall OAM PLY - Swimming; 5 x Paralympian / Flag Bearer in Paris
Thomas Burgess - NRL; South Sydney Rabbitohs / Premiership winner
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves - NRL; Roosters / 3 x Premiership Winner
Joe Ingles - Basketball; 5 x Olympian / NBA - Minnesota Timberwolves
Reuben Cotter - NRL; North Queensland Cowboys / QLD Origin
Matthew Ebden - Tennis; Olympic Gold Medallist / Grand Slam champion
Patrick Dangerfield - AFL; Geelong Cats Captain / Premiership Winner and Brownlow Medallist
Lachie Neale - AFL; Brisbane Lions Co-Captain / 2 x Brownlow Medallist
Brenden Hall, five-time Paralympian and flag bearer for Australia at the upcoming Paris Games, reflected on the joy of fatherhood: “Being a dad is the best thing ever—I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Like life, it has its ups and downs, but I love the challenge, and it’s always fun. When my family can watch me compete, it feels like a tribute to them for all their support. I’m really excited they’ll be in the stands, making the atmosphere even more incredible.”
The Philips Sports Dad of the Year program has a rich history of recognising 162 Celebrity and Community dads through 190,000 nominations and votes. Over the years, the program has also contributed more than $150,000 to Australian charities and sports clubs, supporting both the future of sport and the broader community. The winner of this year’s award, determined by public vote, will have the opportunity to donate $5,000 to a charity of their choice.
Last year’s Philips Celebrity Sports Dad winner, Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and Queensland Maroons Captain, Daly Cherry-Evans matched his prize money to donate $10,000 to Gotcha4Life Foundation founded by media personality, Gus Worland.
Past winners of the Philips Celebrity Sports Dad of the Year award include a who’s who of Australian sports, such as NRL stars Daly Cherry-Evans, Damien Cook, and Johnathan Thurston; AFL Premiership winners Brett Kirk, Jude Bolton, and Sam Mitchell; Supercar driver Mark Winterbottom; former Australian Cricket Vice Captain David Warner; and BMX Freestyle Olympic gold medalist Logan Martin. The inaugural winner in 2009 was NRL great John Skandalis.
Public voting for the Philips Celebrity Sports Dad of the Year is now open via www.sportsdads.com.au. The winner will be announced on Father's Day, Sunday, 1 September 2024.
For more information and to cast your vote, visit www.sportsdads.com.au.