Jason Schmidt: Australian Sports Father of the Year 2025
Leading by Example: Jason Schmidt’s Service to Sport and Family
Jason Schmidt is the kind of father who leads not with words, but with action.
A dad to three teenagers, he’s spent countless hours on the sidelines, in committee meetings, and behind the scenes – all to ensure sport is a place where everyone belongs.
Jason leads with love and has witnessed first-hand the impact of a strong, and positive male role model in a young person’s life, particularly young people with a disability.
Every child needs a safe and protective space where they feel comfortable to be their true self, to express thoughts, feelings and dreams, and know that just like every other child, they too are deserving to live a fulfilling and thriving life.
A male role model and father is not to be underestimated in this journey.
And Jason is a testament to this.
His work with Blind Cricket ACT has given athletes with vision impairments the chance to compete, connect, and thrive.
He’s also thrown his energy into multiple sports and events, including the Special Olympics, building spaces where ability is celebrated, and community is strengthened.
Jason’s children have grown up watching him give his time freely, not for recognition, but because it’s the right thing to do. Role modelling and instilling values in them that will last a lifetime.
They’ve seen the smiles of athletes crossing a finish line, the camaraderie between players, and the quiet satisfaction of a job well done.
As the Australian Sports Father of the Year 2025, Jason shows the profound influence a father’s example can have. In giving his best to his community, he’s given his children a blueprint for a life of service, inclusion, and kindness.
Leading by Example: Jason Schmidt’s Service to Sport and Family
Children thrive when they have involved, engaged and present fathers. Not all children experience the benefits of having a positive father in their life.
With your generous support, The Fathering Project will continue to help improve the lives of children today and for generations to come.
Your donation provides fathers and father figures, the tools to engage with their children to help them thrive.
