The Tasmanian Sports Awards  recognise the outstanding achievements and performances of Tasmanian athletes, as well as innovation and excellence in the state’s sport and recreation sector, from grass-roots to the elite level.

The Esk Valley Orienteering Club (EVOC) and the Launceston State School Sports Association (LSSSA) won the Minister’s Award for Excellence for jointly conducting a successful after school primary schools orienteering program. The after-school program atracted over 1200 children over a ten week period, and had more participants than any other sport in 2008.

Organised by John and Val Brammall with the help of many EVOC members the program has built up over a number of years to reach its current popularity amongst the children. John and Val have developed a model involving a series of events at a number of local parks with a user friendly format for teachers. Justin Cudmore from the LSSSA helped with advertising the program and liaising with teachers from numerous Launceston primary schools.

As part of the award, EVOC and the LSSSA were presented with $1000. EVOC club president John Brammall accepted the award on behalf of EVOC and thanked the many orienteers who helped with the program, especially Val, who played a major role in its development and success.