Sydney Swans superstar Adam Goodes has been named NSW Australian of the Year for his work with community programs, in particular the establishment and co-chairing of the Goodes-O’Loughlin (GO) Foundation.

The GO Foundation aims to promote healthy lifestyle, education and employment for Indigenous people in the community.

Goodes said he wanted young people to receive the same support he had from his junior footy club and the community.

“I’m really honoured to be able to represent NSW, just being recognised for doing what I do is always nice,” he said.

NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell praised Goodes for his fight against racism in particular this year where he singled out a teenager in the crowd for calling him an “ape” during the AFL’s annual indigenous round.

“Adam is a leading advocate in the fight against racism, his actions earlier this year transcended football and reached all parts of Australian society” he said.

Goodes is now in the running to be named Australian of the Year for 2014.