Northern Inland Academy of Sport honors top young athletes in NSW

The 2026 Northern Inland Academy of Sport (NIAS) Awards were held at Wests Entertainment Centre in Tamworth, celebrating the achievements of regional athletes, coaches and volunteers. Isabella Henderson was named Female Athlete of the Year after earning state and national rowing titles and selection to the Australian Under‑19 Rowing Team. Luke Schmude received Male Athlete of the Year for his performances with the Under‑18 Men’s Hockey Team, captaining NSW to a national championship and joining Hockey Australia’s Under‑18 Futures Squad.

More than 1,000 young athletes from across New South Wales attended the ceremony, which highlighted the strength of the regional sport pathway and thanked supporters including Tamworth Regional Council, the NSW Government Office of Sport and local sponsors.