UniSport Nationals Recognised With Event of the Year Nomination at 2026 Gold Coast Sport Awards

UniSport Nationals (Nationals) was nominated for Event of the Year at the 2026 Gold Coast Sport Awards, which took place on 28 February. The nomination was an acknowledgement of the event’s impact on the region’s sporting landscape and its role in elevating university sport nationally, highlighting not only the scale of Nationals but also the excellence of its delivery and contribution to community engagement.

In attendance at the awards ceremony was Christine Vøge, UniSport General Manager – Nationals Sport Program, who spoke about the recognition and collaborative effort required to bring Nationals to life.

“We’re incredibly proud that the 2025 UniSport Nationals on the Gold Coast was recognised as a finalist at the Gold Coast Sport Awards. This acknowledgement reflects the outstanding efforts of our student-athletes, volunteers, partners, and the UniSport member universities who support and brought the event to life. We’re grateful for the strategic support from Experience Gold Coast and Tourism Events Queensland and thrilled to see university sport celebrated on such a respected stage” she said.

Hosted on the Gold Coast in 2025, Nationals brought together more than 6,600 competitors from 40 member universities to compete across 32 sports at 35 venues, cementing its status as the pinnacle event of university sport in Australia. Across the week, the city was transformed into a vibrant hub of competition, connection and university pride.

The Event of the Year award was ultimately presented to the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon, and UniSport’s nomination alongside one of Australia’s most established and respected events reflects the calibre and growing impact of Nationals. The marathon attracts both elite and recreational runners from around the world, and UniSport facilitates the participation of student-athletes to compete in the Gold Coast Marathon as part of our Distance Running National Championships, further strengthening the connection between tertiary sport and high-performance pathways.

UniSport’s nomination was celebrated at an evening supported by member universities Southern Cross University and Griffith University, both proud sponsors of the Gold Coast Sport Awards. Their involvement reflects the ongoing commitment of universities to championing sport at every level.

Further recognition for the sector came with Bond University Rugby Club earning a nomination for Club of the Year, adding to the impact university-affiliated programs continue to have within the Gold Coast sporting community.

Being named an Event of the Year finalist marks a proud moment for Nationals, reflecting the collective effort behind delivering an event of national scale and lasting impact. The recognition speaks to the strength of the university sport network and its ability to create meaningful opportunities for student-athletes both on and off the field.

As the Gold Coast continues to cement its reputation as a world-class sporting destination, Nationals remains proud to contribute to that legacy and stand alongside events of the highest national standard.