News

NSWMA members receive AMA Annual Awards

Published Thu 24 Apr 2025

Four of our NSWMA members were awarded prestigious AMA Annual Awards for the 2024 season, at the Awards Dinner in Adelaide over Easter.

Huge congratulations go to Janelle Delaney (Sprints/Hurdles) and Ryan Dowling (Outstanding Male athlete), for their wonderful results on the track in 2024.

Bianca Keehn and Maria Cimino were also awarded for their contributions in the areas of Administration and Officiating. We share their nominations information below, as these 'behind the scenes' roles are the ones not seen by most, but benefit so many:

Nominee’s Contribution to Masters Athletics: BIANCA KEEHN "It is with great pride and admiration that we nominate Bianca Keehn for the Australian Masters Athletics Administrator of the Year award for the 2024 season. Bianca's achievements over the last 12 months are truly exceptional given she is working largely alone in a space which typically sees little to no progress. As the Inclusion Officer at NSW Masters, Bianca has been instrumental in driving initiatives that have fundamentally transformed the landscape for athletes in the Masters community. Her role as the instigator of the inclusion program has seen the integration of para-athletes into Masters events, creating a more welcoming and equitable environment for athletes of all abilities. Through her leadership, the inclusion program has expanded to encompass various vital initiatives, such as the CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) program and the development of fact sheets that offer clarity and guidance on Masters events. These resources have been translated into over 30 languages, ensuring that information is accessible to athletes from a wide array of cultural backgrounds. Bianca’s collaboration with organizations such as Special Olympics, Invictus Games, and Running Guides for the Blind has also been exceptional. Her work has made groundbreaking strides in ensuring that para-athletes, from those with disabilities to those requiring adaptive services, have equal opportunities to compete in Masters Athletics. Bianca has also been the driving force behind NSWMA’s “Come and Try” days, as well as conceiving and organising a program of regional and metropolitan carnivals. These events have provided athletes of all levels the chance to experience competition in a supportive, inclusive environment. Bianca’s meticulous planning and her attention to detail have made these events a vital part of the athletics community in New South Wales. Her greatest achievement is the work she undertook in 2024 to enable the inclusion of para-athletes in the upcoming 2025 Oceania Masters Athletics Championships. This work involved the development and approval of para-athletes masters classification tables and means that for the first time anywhere in the World, Para Classifications for Masters Athletes will be offered. A significant achievement for masters age para-athletes, and one which is testament to Bianca’s unrelenting and herculean efforts to champion inclusion on the national stage. In every aspect of her work, Bianca Keehn has demonstrated leadership, vision, and compassion for athletes of all backgrounds and abilities. Her groundbreaking work in inclusion for para-athletes will shape the future of Masters Athletics, ensuring that it remains a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive community for everyone. Bianca’s dedication and tireless commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and advocacy for athletes with diverse needs make her an ideal candidate for this recognition."

Nominee’s Contribution to Masters Athletics: MARIA CIMINO "We are pleased and proud to nominate Maria Cimino for the Australian Masters Athletics Official of the Year award for the 2024 season. Maria has been an integral part of our NSW Masters community during 2024, as she has been most years, providing outstanding officiating services at local, state and national events, across both Masters and Open-age competitions. Even while competing herself, Maria always takes on an extra officiating load, ensuring that all events are conducted smoothly and fairly, regardless of the level of competition. She is currently a level 2 Official, close to completing all the requirements to move up to World Athletics Bronze level, having broad experience and great knowledge of athletics competition rules. In 2024 she organised, ran and officiated at least 10 of her UTS Club events; officiated at Athletics NSW events - including NSW Open, NSW Masters and at least 6 other world ranked competitions - as well as many Masters events, including Australian Masters National Championships, Aust Masters Indoors, AMA Winter Throws, and NSW Indoors. Whether at a local meet or a national championship, Maria is always present with a positive, can-do attitude, ensuring that every athlete, from novice to elite, feels supported and respected. Her unwavering dedication to athletics, as an official (as well as competitor and Coach), sets her apart as an exceptional individual who embodies the spirit of Masters Athletics. Maria’s energy, work ethic, and willingness to give back to the athletics community make her a standout nominee for Official of the Year. She not only meets the expectations of the role but exceeds them, taking on an enormous workload with enthusiasm, and a tireless commitment to the athletes and events she serves."

Please join us in congratulating all four of our members on their 2024 AMA Awards.