Our very own Thomas Burgess is among 10 elite Australian athletes vying for the Sports Dad of the Year award to be announced on Father's Day on Sunday, September 5.
Vote for Tom Burgess as Sports Dad of the Year at sportsdads.com.au
Now in its 13th year, the award showcases the contribution Australia's sporting elite make to their families both on and off the field. Last years winner was our captain Adam Reynolds, who donated his winnings to Save our Sons, the organisation fighting for a cure to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
The Sports Dad of the Year award will highlight 10 elite athletes across a range of sports, giving insights into how they juggle fatherhood with their sporting commitments.
This year's nominated Sports Dads will be profiled on sportsdads.com.au which will include questions and answers from the players about their families, as well as some comments from the athletes' family.
All voters have the opportunity to win special prizes for their own father this Father's Day, with the winning Philips Sports Dad of the Year receiving $5,000 to donate to their charity of choice.
We spoke to Thomas as he told us about his role off the field as dad to two little girls, Sophie (2) and Elodie (8 months).
“I want to be there for them in every aspect of life,” Thomas said. “More specifically having two girls … I didn’t grow up with sisters so I’m just learning on the job I suppose but I just love being with them, cuddling a lot, kisses … plenty of fun with daddy!
I can’t wait until they get involved in sport … I’ve already been a big hit at ballet classes!”
His partner Tahlia went onto say patience is Thomas’ greatest asset! He has this amazing ability to be a great dad 24/7 even when he is tired and sore after a game. The other thing is his enthusiasm for all things pink, Emma Wiggle and anything else our girls desire!
This year's other finalists for the award are fellow NRL stars Daly Cherry- Evans, Dale Finucane and Aaron Woods. Flying the flag for the AFL this year is Melbourne star forward Ben Brown and Brisbane Lions’ Mitch Robinson, while Wallabies flyer Marika Koroibete will hope to get plenty of votes from the rugby faithful. From the popular Supercars circuit, Dave Reynolds will be looking to add this year’s title as Sports Dad of the Year to his Bathurst triumph. And last but not least, rounding out this year’s contenders is Tokyo Olympic gold medallist and BMX wizard Logan Martin and Australian hockey star and Tokyo silver medallist Jake Whetton.
Vote now for Thomas at sportsdads.com.au
Voting closes on Tuesday, August 31, and the Sports Dad of the Year winner will be announced on Father's Day.
