Our very own Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is among the top 10 elite Australian athletes vying for the Sports Dad of the Year award to be announced on Father's Day on Sunday, September 1.
Now in its 15th year the award showcases the contribution Australia's sporting elite make to their families both on and off the field. Last year’s winner, Daly Cherry-Evans, matched his prize money to donate $10,000 to the Gotcha4Life Foundation.
The Sports Dad of the Year 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.
All voters have the opportunity to win special prizes for their own father this Father's Day, with the winning Philips Celebrity Sports Dad of the Year receiving $5,000 to donate to their charity of choice and Jared has chosen Ronald McDonald House.
We asked Jared to reflect on how being a father to three children—Zahli (9), Harper (6), and Hudson (2)—has shaped his life.
"Being a dad is the most rewarding thing I've ever experienced. It puts everything into perspective—suddenly, the wins and losses on the field don't seem as big as the moments you share with your kids. Watching them grow and seeing the world through their eyes gives you a new purpose. It’s made me more patient, more understanding, and it’s taught me to appreciate the little things.”
"At the end of the day, coming home to my family is what truly matters. They’re my biggest motivation and my greatest joy.”
Vote now for Jared at sportsdads.com.au
Voting closes on Tuesday, August 27, and the Sports Dad of the Year winner will be announced on Father's Day.
