The Academy, which provides endorsed high performance training programs for western Sydney’s best pre-elite athletes across seven sport disciplines, recognised the Athlete of the Year for each of its programs.
The prestigious Woolworths Limited Scholarships valued at $5,000 each were also awarded for the highest achieving male and female athlete within the Academy’s programs.
The event, which was attended by 250 athletes, family members, sporting, corporate and Government partners, was highlighted by a special guest appearance from London Silver Medalist and Academy Graduate Jessica Fox.
Jessica shared her journey from Academy Athlete to Olympian and emphasized the power of dreams.
“Three years ago I was just like all the athletes here tonight, I was a part of the Academy. It all started with a dream, it happened for me and it can happen for you too,” Jessica said.
Minister for Sport and Recreation, Graham Annesley assisted with the presentations and said the awards were an opportunity to celebrate the dedication, respect, excellence and leadership shown by athletes in their particular sporting field.
Academy CEO Martin Bullock said the Athlete Awards Dinner was a “magnificent showcase” of the region’s best young athletes.
“The Academy’s athletes represent the best young pre-elite sportspeople throughout western Sydney. The dinner allows us to highlight some outstanding achievements and the exceptional talent of these young athletes, many of whom will go on to represent at the highest level within their sport.”
The Award winners announced on the night were :
• Woolworths Limited Scholarship – Male Athlete: Kieran O’Leary (Softball) (Camden).
• Woolworths Limited Scholarship – Female Athlete : Michaela McLennan (Softball) (Blacktown).
• Team Athlete of the Year:Michael Robar (Softball) (Penrith).
• Lawn Bowls Athlete of the Year: Jamie-Lee Worsnop (Liverpool / Fairfield).
• Golf Athlete of the Year:Daniel Gale (The Hills).
• Netball Athlete of the Year: Georgia Marshall (Penrith).
• Softball Athlete of the Year: Kieran O’Leary (Camden).
• Slalom Athlete of the Year: Angus Thompson (Ku-ring Gai / Penrith).
