A rising star of BMX, Rory Southwell, has taken out the major category of the prestigious Wests Group Macarthur sports awards.
The 16 year old, who is destined to go far in his chosen sport, was named Elite Sports Person of the Year.
Southwell has had a big year, taking out Macarthur BMX Club’s junior male rider of the year and South West Sydney academy of sport sportsperson of the year awards.
He also represented Australia at the 2019 World BMX championships in Belgium – after overcoming major injury.
“This is an honour and I would just like to congratulate my fellow nominees on their outstanding achievements, and to thank Macarthur BMX and Wests Group Macarthur for all of their support,’’ Rory said after receiving the Wests Group Macarthur award.
“This a great privilege and it is fantastic to see the support for the sport of BMX,” he said.
Camden and District Netball Association’s champion representative team in the under 14 age group were named elite team of the year.
The team’s achievements included a third place in the state in 2018 and 2019 and first in the 2019 representative carnival.
The awards are presented every year by the Wests Sports Council, which is part of Wests Group Macarthur and supports 26 affiliated clubs.
As well as the annual awards, which are in their 22nd year, Wests Group Macarthur also provide a substantial amount of funding to each club.
“It is so rewarding year after year to meet the exceptional young adults and sporting talent from our region,’’ says Martin Bullock, director of the Wests Sports Council.
“Each of them exemplifies qualities of success including drive, passion, resilience, and ambition.
“It is a privilege to reward and celebrate those individuals and teams and the clubs that foster them in our Wests Sports Council program.’’
Wests Group Macarthur CEO Tony Mathew said the Wests Sports Council was established to provide support to local sporting clubs.
“The awards provide a platform for individuals and teams to reflect on and celebrate their achievements and be recognised for the important role they play in grassroots sport and community spirit,” he said.
WESTS SPORTS COUNCIL 2020 AWARDS CATEGORY WINNERS:
Junior sportsperson of the year (U12) – Alexander Nothdurfter, Mt Annan Swim Club
Youth sportsperson of the year (12-16 years) – Andrew Salian, Magpies Cricket Club
Senior sportsperson of the year – Jack McGrath, Group 6 Referees
Sports team of the year – Division 6 team, Campbelltown Thunder Netball Club
Spirit of Sport – Peter Phillips, Ingleburn RSL Softball Club.
RUNNERS UP:
Junior sportsperson of the year (U12) – Jaxon Colman, Macquarie Fields Swimming Club
Youth sportsperson of the year (12 – 16yrs) Jack McWilliams, Camden Valley Basketball Association
Senior sportsperson of the year – Karen Lake, Macarthur Triathlon Club
Sports team of the year – George Rider Cup team, Tennis Macarthur
Spirit of Sport – Fred Furner, Macarthur BMX.
For more on the Wests Sports Council visit www.westslc.com.au/Sport.
