2018 Port Macquarie-Hastings Sports Awards recognise local sporting talent

Ella Heeney claimed the top gong taking out the Holiday Coast Credit Union Port Macquarie-Hastings Sportsperson of the Year while Madelaine Goodridge won the Laing + Simmons Port Macquarie Sportsperson with a Disability.

The Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise launched the Port Macquarie Hastings Sports Awards 19 years ago to encourage participation in sport and provide some financial support to local champions to help them achieve their sporting goals.

For the last four years they have also partnered with the Mayor’s Sporting Fund.

Ella unexpectedly competed at the World School’s Cross Country Championships in France in March after a late minute phone call but said it was a team effort.

“I just want to say thank you so much for the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise and all the sponsors and all my coaches who have helped me get to this point,” Ella said.

“Even though most people think of running as an individual sport there are a lot of people that help me every step of the way.

“A huge thank you to mum and dad, friends, coaches and my physio for keeping my body together.”

Port Macquarie’s own hockey superstar Annika Toohey won the Mayor’s Sporting Fund Wayne Richards Sporting Scholarship.

Annika said she was delighted to be able to receive the scholarship.

“I am very overwhelmed and proud to be standing in a room with so many amazing local athletes,” Annika said.

“Sitting in this room and listening to all the wonderful achievements of our athletes has been amazing and to be able to be part of that I am very honoured.

“To be able to win the scholarship means that I will be able to continue competing at the level I am and to be chosen from the pool of nominees means a lot.”

She said the scholarship gave those who wished to continue to  compete at state, national and international level the opportunity.

“From everyone here there would be a huge commitment to training and the travel that regional athletes have to do and something that our cities competition doesn’t have to do but the one thing they miss out on this the community atmosphere and support, so thank you.”

The Port Macquarie Hastings Hockey Association U18s Representative Team won the Patterson Real Estate Junior Team of the Year award and in a hotly contested category Tyse Thrower claimed the John Patrick Isuzu Ute Junior Sportsperson of the Year - Primary School trophy for his achievements in hockey and surf lifesaving.

President of the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise, Malcolm McNeil, was full of praise for all entrants, the organising committee and the hard work that the judges had in assessing the record 65 online nominations.

"The Rotary theme for this year is ‘be the inspiration’ and with these sports awards I see inspiration all around me; together with drive, enthusiasm and perseverance,” Mr McNeil said.

"With a total of $7,000 in prizes awarded to local athletes, I am sure the many recipients will be inspired to even higher levels of achievement.

"Congratulations to all the winners and nominees, and a special thank you to the organising committee and the judges."

At the breakfast Port Macquarie’s Ryley Batt also spoke about the acceptance of para-sports as being equal to that of able-bodied sports and his experience at the Olympic Games in Rio.

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.