So many talented athletes are coming through the South West Sydney Academy of Sport it won’t be long before we see their names up in lights.
That was the distinct impression guests would have got at last week’s annual academy graduation and awards dinner.
The 2017 gala function in a packed Cube at the Campbelltown Catholic Club showcased some of the exciting sportsmen and women rising up the ranks via our very own sports academy.
From rising netball star Natalie Sligar to softball champion Harrison Pudner, who was named athlete of the year, the academy is making sure local athletes have every opportunity possible to reach the top.
And thanks to another academy initiative, they will also be very good public speakers when they make all those victory speeches.
As part of the academy’s programs, athletes are given the opportunity at functions like last week’s gala dinner to gain confidence in public speaking.
And judging by the performance of athletes such as Natalie Sligar, who showed poise and confidence in opening proceedings alongside Gerry Knights, the executive director of the academy, the program is paying dividends.
Indeed all of the athletes given an opportunity with the microphone up on the stage did a commendable job.
Local Olympian, the hammer thrower Bronwyn Eagles, who was in the audience, would have been impressed with the public speaking skills of these local rising stars.
There were tremendous nominations for 2017 athlete of the year from a range of academy sports.
Nominated were:
Lone Star Lachlan McLean
Netball Natalie Sligar
Development Rugby League Marcus Moore
Ten Pin Bowling Daniel Bourke
BMX Jessica McCormack
Triathlon Erin Wooldridge
Golf Brandon Vella
Softball Harrison Pudner
Basketball Rachel Dunlop
Hockey Annabel Croker
Swimming Maclane Walmsley
Athlete of the year was Harrison Pudner.
There were a number of other honours give out on the night.
Coach recognition awards:
Netball
Girl: Amy Sligar
Umpire: Roslyn-Jane Chandler
Development Rugby League U13
Boy: Iopu Falefata
Development Rugby League U14
Boy: Riley Williams
Development Rugby League U15
Boy: Che Te- Rangi
Development Rugby League U17
Boy: Daniel Payne
Ten Pin Bowling
Girl: Emma Stephens
BMX
Girl: Rachel Long
Swimming
Boy: Damien Chandler
Triathlon
Girl: Caitlin Sendt
Golf
Girl: Lilian Kremmer
Softball
Boy: Corey Gleeson
Girl: Gia-Luise Palma
Basketball
Boy: Dre Tooala
Girl: Mekdes Geist
Hockey
Boy: Daniel Moussa
Girl: Holly Rasmussen
Jim Medway Memorial Trophy – Rugby League Boy: Fale Alesana
Clive Graham Memorial Award – Lone Star
Lone Star Para – Sports – Jessica Cronje
Lone Star Athlete – Lachlan McLean
Outstanding Service Award for staff members
Bronze – 3 years: Guy Creber, Chelsea Creber, Billy Hayward, Leo Clarke
Silver – 5 years: Van Nguyen
Outstanding Service Award – 10 years: Tony Jackson, Fiona Ioannou, Peter Doherty.
