The South West Sydney Academy of Sport 2016 graduation and sports awards dinner confirmed itself as the premier sports event of the south west region.
It was held last Friday night at the The Cube.
The Campbelltown Catholic Club venue was overflowing with high profile sporting guests, including some of Australia’s champion athletes, sporting group CEOs, politicians and local government representatives.
The highlight of the evening was the naming of the Academy 2016 Athlete of the Year and SOUTH32 Illawarra Coal Chairperson award.
Academy chairperson Mr Peter Campbell told the audience that selecting the 2016 winners had been a tough job for the judges.
“It was hotly contested by many fine, young, athletes boasting excellent athletic achievement in their own right,’’ Mr Campbell said.
“The winners of these awards are athletes whose commitment and personal discipline to improvement is over and above that of most athletes of their age.’’
Mr Campbell went on to announce wheelchair basketballer Jessica Cronje and softballer Blake Jackson as the joint winners of the Campbelltown Catholic Club Athlete of the Year and 2016 SOUTH32 Illawarra Coal Chairperson award.
“They are both outstanding athletes in their respective sports and have the respect of all involved with the academy, from its coaching staff to fellow athletes,’’ he said.
Academy executive director Gerry Knights said the presentation dinner was an inspirational experience of sporting glories and messages from a who’s-who of Australia’s finest national and international heroes.
“The common theme of the evening was the current 2016 Olympic Games and that you can only realise high level sporting achievement through commitment and hard work.’’
Camden MP Chris Patterson represented the NSW Minister for Sport and spoke enthusiastically about the important role of the Academy to our region.
He congratulated its athletes and its 70 plus volunteers coaching and support staff members.
Mr Patterson also took the time to commend the supportive efforts of all parents associated with the academy.
The night’s presenters included Wests Tigers local heroes John Skandalis and Shaun Spence, Olympic Games marathoner Jeff Hunt, triple World Champion middle weight boxing champion Daniel Geale, triathlon’s Guy Creber, Netball NSW’s Alison Miller and CEOs David Trodden [NSWRL] and David Thompson [Hockey NSW].
To find out how you can assist our region’s finest hard working young athletes realise their sporting potential, contact Gerry Knights by phoning 4627 7622 or email gerry.knights@swsas.org.au
♦ For more information on the academy visit its website here.
