Paralympics Australia chief executive Lynne Anderson received the Award for Leadership at the AIS Sport Performance Awards ©Getty Images

Paralympics Australia chief executive Lynne Anderson received the prize for Leadership at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Sport Performance Awards.

Anderson oversaw a significant year for the Paralympic Movement in Australia, having held the role of chief executive since 2015.

She was instrumental in lobbying for a AUD$8 million (£4million/$6million/€5million) investment from the Government for Tokyo 2020 and $4million (£2million/$3million/€2.5million) for the construction of a community, education and events centre at Paralympics Australia's base in Tullamarine.

Paralympics Australia also launched its rebrand from the Australian Paralympic Committee under Anderson's leadership. 

In addition, a landmark media rights deal was signed, with Seven West Media agreeing to exclusively screen and stream the Paralympic Games and the 2019 World Championships for Para-athletics and Para-swimming.

Para-alpine skier Melissa Perrine was crowned AIS female Para-athlete of the year ©Getty Images
Para-alpine skier Melissa Perrine was crowned AIS female Para-athlete of the year ©Getty Images

"Since joining Paralympics Australia in 2015, Lynne has revolutionised the way this organisation does business," said Paralympics Australia President Jock O'Callaghan.

"Her passion and drive is legendary. and the impact she had made on the Paralympic movement is not just being felt in Australia, but globally.

"Lynne brings a sharp focus to our engagement with stakeholders, ensuring we are working as closely and collaboratively as possible with government, our sporting partners and across all the other sectors we work within to create as many opportunities as possible for Australians with a disability to participate in sport and compete at the level they desire.

"I am proud of what Lynne has achieved at the helm of Paralympics Australia not just over the past year, but over the last four-and-a-half years. 

"She is a thoroughly deserving recipient of this Award for Leadership among a very impressive field of nominees."

Curt McGrath was named AIS male Para-athlete of the year for retaining his World Championship canoe sprint titles and securing two quota places for Tokyo 2020 ©Getty Images
Curt McGrath was named AIS male Para-athlete of the year for retaining his World Championship canoe sprint titles and securing two quota places for Tokyo 2020 ©Getty Images

Triple Paralympian Melissa Perrine was crowned female Para-athlete of the year, having achieved four medals, including a world title, at the 2019 World Para-alpine Skiing World Championships.

She also secured 12 medals on the World Para-alpine Skiing World Cup circuit, finishing second on the overall standings.

The male Para-athlete of the year accolade went to Curt McGrath, who, in successfully defending his world titles at the 2019 Canoe Sprint World Championships, secured two Paralympic quota spots for Tokyo 2020.