Making history at the 2024 ARI Awards of Excellence

The 2024 Aquatic and Recreation Institute (ARI NSW) Awards of Excellence were held last night, Thursday, October 17th and were a night to remember. Belgravia Leisure shone brightly, celebrating some exceptional achievements. We are immensely proud of Taylor ‘Chip’ Hanson, winning Swim Teacher of the Year and making history as the first person living with Down Syndrome to receive this award. The Liverpool Region was honoured with the Diversity and Inclusion Award, while Zach Byrnes was recognised as Emerging Leader of the Year.

Held at Waterview in Bicentennial Park, Sydney Olympic Park, Belgravia Leisure celebrated 14 nominations. One of the most memorable moments of the night was Chip’s award acceptance, which prompted a standing ovation and left no one with dry eyes.

NSW Area Manager Byron Gulpers captured the excitement, saying, “We all may have screamed a little too loud when they read his name out.

“With the support of Austswim and Belgravia Leisure, it’s been an honour for us to support Chip in achieving his dream of becoming a qualified Teacher of Swimming & Water Safety at Wollondilly Leisure Centre. Chip has also raised awareness about the exclusion of athletes living with Down Syndrome from the Paralympics in The Sunday Telegraph. His commitment to inclusion and passion for teaching continues to inspire those around him.” 

Scott Vanderheyden, Acting Group Health & Safety Manager and ARI Board Member said, “In my 22 years in the industry and attending ARI events, I have never witnessed a standing ovation like this or as many tears. It was truly a special moment for the entire team. We are extremely proud of Chip, who is the first recipient living with Down Syndrome to win the Swim Teacher of the Year award. This achievement proves that anyone can do anything they want with the right support. We also commend the incredible efforts of Byron Gulpers, Rani Richards and Steph Barnes in supporting Chip.”

The Liverpool Region’s win of the Diversity and Inclusion Award highlights our team’s continued commitment to fostering inclusive spaces and opportunities for all.

Ernest Kulauzović, Area Community Engagement Manager said, “It is a true honour for our Liverpool team to receive a second ARI NSW industry award, recognising the dedication we put into our programs and partnerships.

“Thanks to the generous support of Belgravia Leisure management, we have been able to implement initiatives that uplift our target groups and residents. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the outstanding organisations that make this possible, including Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre, Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council, NSW TAFE, Liverpool City Council and many others,” Kulauzović said.

While Zach Byrnes, Business Operations Manager Central West NSW, was rightfully recognised as Emerging Leader of the Year and said, “I’m honoured to receive the Emerging Leader Award, but this achievement truly reflects the hard work and dedication of my entire team. Their commitment to excellence is what drives our success and I’m proud to lead such an incredible group of people.”

These recognitions celebrate the incredible efforts of our team members and we want to congratulate everyone for their support, dedication and passion in creating vibrant and inclusive aquatic and recreation experiences in our communities.

The awards of excellence served as a testament to the shared vision of Belgravia Leisure and our partners, working together to build healthier and happier communities. Let’s keep this momentum going and demonstrate, as Chip’s story shows, that anyone can achieve their dreams with the right support.