The club is one of eight Illawarra clubs that could be crowned winners at this year's award ceremony on May 8.

The awards recognise the contribution NSW clubs make to their local area and the state throughout key categories.

The Shellharbour Club was recognised for ensuring "everyone has the same opportunity to participate in sport", due to their involvement with the Illawarra Special Olympics team.

Club CEO Debbie Cosmos said she was "moved" and "humbled" with the opportunities that Special Olympics provide for the children in the region.

"Their passion was moving when I found about all the work they do for the area," she said.

The club donated $7000 to Illawarra's Special Olympics team.

It was used to fly 14 team members to Melbourne to participate in the National Games.

The team returned home with a whopping 23 gold medals, six silver medals and 10 bronze.

Co-ordinator of the team Richard Keen said "without Shellharbour Club we'd be in a tin shed".

"We train weekly at the snakepit and our numbers have gone from seven to 45," he said. "We have so many kids and the club funds and pays for uniforms, registration and trips away."

The awards ceremony will take place at the Royal Hall of Industries.