Trophies had never shone brighter and applause had never rang louder than for the local sport stars who were recognised for their efforts and achievements over the last 12 months last Thursday night.
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In a quirky night of nights, guest speaker Catriona Rowntree certainly set the mood for the 19th Annual Sports Council Presentation Dinner at the Empire Hotel in her reflective, entertaining and rather inspiring speech.
Her words “we’re here to celebrate you” and “if you have a quirk, bring it to the fore and use it – there’s only one you” are absorbed by the dozens of local state, national and even international athletes.
First on the awards agenda was the anticipated presentation of the Junior Sportsperson Award for 2011 which saw state, national and international representative Caitlin Silk in athletics take the honours.
An unexpected national equestrian champion Brooke Stevenson was named Senior Sportsperson for 2011, ahead of fellow equestrian Bridget Sell and masters cycling rep Kevin Goodman.
Goodman was, however, acknowledged for his continuing achievements in the Veterans Sportsperson of the Year 2011 accolade.
Catriona and sponsor Keith Carmody presented a humble Pamela Grant the Service to Sport award while Young’s Australia Day Senior Sportsperson of the Year Michael Donnelly was presented the Continuing Service to Sport 2011 award for his ongoing support of the Young Amateur Swimming Club.
Eleven-year-old Ruby Cavanagh couldn’t walk down the aisle fast enough to collect her Disabled Sportsperson of the Year award for swimming, in front of a very proud mum and dad, Felicity and Steve Cavanagh.
To top off a great night celebrating local sport, a large contingent of last year’s monthly winners and nominees for the Team of the Year 2011 award made their way to the front of the audience, showcasing the high standard Young continues to produce.
The nominees included the Young Ones cricket team, Young Bowling Club triples, fours and grade 3 pennant teams, under 14s Lachlan Cricket team, under 10s Young Cherrypickers rugby league team, Young High School Equestrian and under 16s rugby league teams, under 18s basketball team and Robertson’s Gymnastics team.
The Young Bowling Club Grade 3 Pennant Team, accepted by Damien Miller, Peter Watts, Geoff Holt and Dave Quigley, were named winners.
Quigley even made mention of how impressive this year’s age brackets were, some ranging from as young as seven to 50-years and above.
More photos from the night will be published in this Wednesday’s Witness.
