Back l-r: Hayden Sealey (Senior Sports Person), Tim McDonald (Para), Roger Haddrill (Masters), guest speaker Andrew Ryan, Anthony Jones (Team: JRL U16) , Toby Goodsell (Team JRL U16), guest speaker Kurt Barnes; front: Brayden Davis (Senior Sports Person), Lewis Goodsell (Team: JRL U16), Darcy Leadbitter (Encouragement Award) and Harry Crouch (Junior Sports Person).

By Karen Tooth

The Annual Lion’s Club Sports Awards night was held at the Condobolin Sports Club on Friday night to recognise and encourage Condo’s sporting champions.

Sports Promotion Committee Award winners were Olie Harding, Tamara Whitla, Danielle Thompson and Anthony Jones.

The Encouragement Award went to Darcy Leadbitter.

The Fitzpatrick Shield went to Tony Jones.

The Junior Sportsperson of the year was Harry Crouch.

Brayden David and Hayden Sealey both won the Senior sportsperson of the year award.

The Parra award went to Tim McDonald.

Winner of the Master award was Roger Haddrill.

Team of the year went to the under 16’s JRL team.

The Overall Winner was Maddi Sinderberry.

Guest speakers for the night were Canterbury Bulldogs player Andrew Ryan and professional golfer Kurt Barnes who offered some words of wisdom for the budding sports champions of Condobolin.

Andrew talked about the importance of the contribution of bush people to the sporting landscape across all sports in all forms including tuck shop volunteers, referees and linesmen.

He also talked about how being successful in sport is not necessarily all based on ability but also who you hang around with, how you approach training, diet, ability to be on time and so on.

Kurt had some encouraging words about how anyone can achieve if they have the will power and support as well as the importance of instilling a belief of success in kids from someone who they look up to e.g. parent or coach or some kind of mentor.

“Follow your dreams – even chase your dreams as they survive a long time and celebrate your achievements,” Kurt said.

Andrew Ryan and Kurt Barnes with monthly winner Pauline Dimos.

Fitzgerald Shield winner Tony Jones with speakers Andrew Ryan and Kurt Barnes.

Monthly winner Alicia Davis with presenters Andrew Ryan and Kurt Barnes.

Sports Person of the Year Maddie Sinderberry