Jade Melbourne a finalist for CBR Sport Awards
The finalists for the 2024 CBR Sport Awards were revealed today by ACT Minister for Sport and Recreation Yvette Berry MLA, and the UC Capitals very own Jade Melbourne is a finalist for Athlete of the Year – Women’s Sport.
Jade Melbourne has had an outstanding year of domestic and international basketball. In the 2023/24 WNBL season, the UC Capitals co-captain was the league leader for assists per game and was voted the inaugural WNBL Fan MVP.
She then joined the Washington Mystics in the WNBA after being traded just days before the season commenced. Her performances with both the Capitals and the Mystics lead to her selection in the Australian Opals squad to compete at the Paris Olympic Games.
In her first major tournament with the senior squad, Jade was a starter in all 6 games of their campaign and helped the team to bring home a bronze medal – their first medal since London 2012. Her performance at the tournament earned her the FIBA Paris 2024 Rising Star award for being the best young player at the event.
Off the court, Jade has been an enthusiastic leader in the UC Capitals School Hoops Program and holiday clinics by bringing basketball to primary school age kids in Canberra. She was also a player delegate to the Australian Basketball Players Association as an advocate for the players of the WNBL – doing all of this at just 21 years old.
The awards acknowledge the achievements and excellence of Canberra’s outstanding individual athletes, sporting teams and the city’s sporting community more generally.
On Wednesday, 27 November 2024, Canberra’s sporting community will come together at the 2024 CBR Sport Awards to celebrate the commitment, resilience, innovation and diversity of our city’s sports.
“I’m excited to announce the finalists of the 2024 CBR Sport Awards. It has been a huge year for sport with the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris and Canberrans well represented on the international stage. Canberra is a sporting community and a springboard for upcoming sporting talent,” said Minister for Sport and Recreation Yvette Berry, “Congratulations to all of the nominees, and especially this years’ finalists, you are an inspiration for young Canberrans, showing what can be achieved with hard work, dedication and a passion for sports.”
“I’d like to thank our judging panel for what must have been a very challenging job shortlisting our finalists from such an outstanding group of nominees.”
The award finalists, in no particular order, are:
Athlete of the Year – Men’s Sport
Jay Vine – Cycling
James Turner – Athletics
Michael Matthews – Cycling
Athlete of the Year – Women’s Sport
Nikki Ayers – Rowing
Jade Melbourne – Basketball
Rebecca Henderson – Mountain Bike
Athlete of the Year – Para Sport
Vanessa Low – Athletics
Nikki Ayers – Rowing
James Turner – Athletics
Team of the Year
Canberra Brave – Ice Hockey
Invictus Dragon Boat Women’s Crew – Dragon Boat
ACT U19’s Men’s Team – Rugby Union
Rising Star
Lauren Bates – Cycling
Cameron Myers – Athletics
Ajak Nyuon – Basketball
“I look forward to celebrating our winners when they are revealed at the 2024 Awards ceremony later this month at the Belconnen Arts Centre,” said Minister Berry.
Tickets to the CBR Sport Awards night can be purchased from the event website at www.cbrsportawards.com.au
Statement from ACT Minister for Sport and Recreation Yvette Berry MLA.