2022-23 Athletics Tasmania Awards Wrap Up

Fantastic Achievements and Community Celebrated at 2022-23 Athletics Tasmania Awards.

Hobart - 27/05/2023

The Athletics Tasmania Awards held on Saturday afternoon were a resounding success, honouring exceptional athletes, and recognising the positive impact of athletics on our communities. The event was attended by esteemed guests, Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC, Governor of Tasmania, and the Emeritus Professor Don Chalmers AO, Special Guest speaker and recent inductee into the Tasmanian Sporting Hall Of Fame - Tristan Thomas, athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and supporters who gathered to celebrate a remarkable year in the world of athletics.

The day emphasised the success of Tasmanian athletes on the global stage, proudly representing the state and bringing home accolades that garnered international recognition. However, the true measure of success from the past year was in the Tasmanian community. It was recognised that Athletics in Tasmania is growing into an environment where aspiring athletes find support, guidance, and opportunities to develop their skills, and that together, we have built a culture that encourages teamwork, inclusivity, and the pursuit of greatness.

The President of the Board, and MC for the afternoon, Damon Thomas acknowledged the rich history of athletics in Tasmania, dating back to the establishment of the Tasmanian Amateur Athletic Association in 1902. The awards presented hold records dating as far back as 1962, and the introduction of new categories, such as the officials' awards, demonstrates the continued growth and evolution of the sport. The President expressed gratitude to the volunteers and life members who have played a vital role in shaping Athletics Tasmania and emphasised the sense of community and friendship that athletics fosters.

Outstanding Athletes and Officials Honoured:

The awards ceremony celebrated the exceptional achievements of athletes across various age groups and categories.

The winners included Arden Petersen and Jemima Geappen in the U14 category, Samuel Lindsay and Arielle Cannell in the U16 category, and Alex Wojcik and Isabella Wing in the U18 category. Will Bottle and Abbie Butler took home the U20 titles, while Izzy King was recognized as the Junior Para award winner.

In the event category awards Jacob Despard and Chelsea Scolyer took home the Sprints/Hurdles category, Stewart McSweyn and Ruby Smee the Distance/Walks category, Hamish Peacock and Arielle Cannell the Throws category, Blake Doyle and Raphaela Corney the Jumps/Combined category, and Stewart McSweyn and Ruby Smee again both took out the Middle/Distance/Walks in Stadium category.

The Open Athletes of the Year winners were Alexander McKillop, Ruby Smee, and Stewart McSweyn, who took home the respective titles in the Para, Women's, and Men's categories.

The event also recognised individuals who have made significant contributions to coaching and officiating. Josh Mason was honoured as the Emerging Coach of the Year, Rosie Coleman received the Services to Athletics through Coaching award, and Roger Hosie was named the Max Cherry Memorial Coach of the Year. In officiating, Louise Walker was acknowledged as the Domestic Official of the Year, Brian Roe received the Service to Officiating award, and Jarrod Gibson was the recipient of the Noel Ruddock Memorial Award for Official of the Year.

The Athletics Tasmania Awards were a testament to the exceptional talent, dedication, and community spirit that encapsulate athletics in Tasmania. The event showcased the transformative power of athletics in shaping not only athletes' lives but also the entire community. The achievements of the award winners will undoubtedly inspire others and continue to encourage the community to reach its full potential.

Athletics Tasmania

info@tasathletics.org.au

(03) 6234 9551