Health technology business Philips is marking its 15th year of supporting the 'Sports Dad of the Year' initiative, a program that celebrates the contributions of Australian sporting fathers.

The initiative, launched in 2009 with the 'Celebrity Sports Dad of the Year', expanded in 2013 to include the 'Community Sports Dad of the Year'. Philips has been the major partner of the program since its inception, providing sponsorship and prizes.

"We're thrilled to be part of Philips Sports Dad of the Year which continues to shine a light on the incredible contributions sports dads make both on and off the field. There’s nothing quite like this Awards program in Australia and we're proud to recognise deserving dads Australia-wide - many of whom don’t realise their selfless acts make such a difference,” said Consumer Marketing Lead for Philips ANZ, Personal Health, Kay Cho.

The awards program aligns with Father's Day and is unique in Australia. The Philips Celebrity Sports Dad winner is chosen through a public vote, while Community Sports Dads are nominated by their local peers. Prizes include a grooming pack from Philips, a $5,000 donation to the Celebrity Sports Dad winner's chosen charity, and a $5,000 Rebel voucher for the Community Sports Dad Winner's local team or club.

To date, the program has recognised 162 Celebrity and Community dads through 190,000 nominations and votes and donated over $150,000 to Australian charities and sports clubs. Last year's Celebrity Sports Dad winner, Daly Cherry-Evans, matched his prize money to donate $10,000 to the Gotcha4Life Foundation.

"Daly Cherry-Evans' generous donation to the Gotcha4Life Foundation, for winning the 2023 Philips Sports Dad of the Year, enabled 200 people to attend a life-changing program to build their mental fitness so they're better equipped to handle the ups and downs of life. The positive impact is felt far wider than just the participants who attend our workshops, as the ripple effect extends to countless others in their entire village of family, friends, workmates, and wider community. We are incredibly grateful for Daly and his continued support of Gotcha4Life,” said Founder of Gotcha4Life Foundation, Gus Worland.

Winners for both categories will be announced in the lead-up to Father's Day, with the Community Sports Dad of the Year revealed in the week of 26 August, and the Celebrity Sports Dad of the Year announced on Father's Day, 1 September. Nominations for Philips Community Sports Dad close on 18 August. The Philips Sports Dad of the Year initiative is founded by sports and entertainment agency, InterPlay Management.