Vale Don Knapp

UniSport Australia is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former CEO, Don Knapp.

Don led Australian University Sport Ltd, now UniSport Australia, from 2007 to 2019. Over more than a decade of service, Don played a pivotal role in shaping the future of university sport in Australia, steering the organisation through significant reform, renewal and national impact.

A thoughtful and strategic leader, Don was deeply committed to creating opportunities for student-athletes and strengthening the role of sport within the university sector. He believed in the power of sport to inspire excellence, foster belonging, and develop leadership among young people.

“What motivates me,” he once said, “is achievement in others.” That ethos was reflected in everything he did, from national strategy to grassroots programming.

Don’s most lasting legacy may be his leadership in championing the transformation of the old Australian University Games (UniGames) into the UniSport Nationals we have today. Recognising emerging risks and cultural challenges, Don authored the landmark 2017 Case for Change, a bold, research-backed proposal that reimagined the event model to prioritise athlete experience, competitive integrity, and alignment with the values of the higher education sector. His vision culminated in the launch of UniSport Nationals in 2018, a new era of student sport that refocused attention on high-quality competition and safety and realigned the organisation’s identity through the rebranding to UniSport Australia.

Don also played a critical national advocacy role at a time when university sport was under serious threat. As a passionate and vocal opponent of the Voluntary Student Unionism (VSU) legislation, Don lobbied tirelessly to preserve the essential role of sport and recreation in student life. His ability to articulate the value of sport to student wellbeing and university culture helped influence policy decisions and, in many cases, protected vital sport funding at institutions across the country. He was also instrumental in securing federal investment to ensure regional universities could continue to offer sport and recreation programs, support that remains in place today. The university sport sector owes Don and his fellow advocates a profound debt of gratitude.

Don spoke passionately about the environment he helped shape: “The university sector is a vibrant and interesting sector to work in. It’s a positive sector, focused on achievement and helping people attain excellence.”

“So much of what UniSport has been able to do and achieve is built on the foundations laid by Don,” said UniSport CEO Mark Sinderberry after learning of Don’s sad passing, “Don was a great person and a wonderful character and will be sorely missed by all at UniSport.”

On behalf of UniSport Australia and the wider university sport community, we extend our sincere condolences to Don’s family, friends, and former colleagues. His contribution to university sport in Australia will be remembered with deep respect and enduring gratitude.