From BMX to equestrian: Athletes recognised at annual Gold Coast Academy of Sport awards
Meet the 27 junior athletes who could go on to break new ground in BMX, rugby, equestrian, athletics and so much more. Trained by an Olympic gold medallist, here are the must-know Gold Coast athletes of the future.
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TWENTY-SEVEN junior athletes have been crowned as potential superstars of the future at the Gold Coast Academy of Sports awards.
Trained by an Olympic gold medallist Glynis Nunn, junior athletes have been recognised for their success in BMX, rugby, equestrian, athletics and so much more.
GCAS this year boasted programs covering track and field, rugby union, cricket, equestrian, refereeing for rugby league, basketball, netball and BMX, as well as the Future Stars, Future Stars 2.0 and Future Stars Extension programs.
Over 600 athletes took part in these programs, some held during the school holiday periods.
“The interest was surprising and we intend to continue to deliver these clinics at this time,” GCAS Chairman David Eckersley said.
“There is a lot of effort by volunteers and most importantly, the dedication of athlete’s and their parents, guardians and friends.”
Eckersley said the programs focused on participants’ mental, physical, emotional, social and behavioural wellbeing, describing it as a journey to make them better human beings.
“The Academy is focused on helping athletes from the Gold Coast prepare for their journey to high performance success through our inclusive and life skill programs.
“Australia has seen some great sport competitions this year,” he said.
“The FIFA Women’s World Cup was enthralling, whist Australia also brought home the Ashes and there were some fantastic results in the World Track and Field Championships in Budapest.”
In closing, Eckersley thanked the coaches and parents who each go above and beyond to support their children and sport in the region.
See below a full list of award winners on the night:
Rugby Union
Kobi Nouanrasy – Athlete of the Year
Alex Kinder – Encouragement Award
Rugby Union Referees
Kirra Crompton – Encouragement Award
Jared Smith – Athlete of the Year
Future Stars
Josie Lowry – Athlete of the Year
Will Kruger – Encouragement Award
Future Stars 2
Liam Blakemore – Athlete of the Year
Kylie Annadale – Encouragement Award
Future Stars Extension
Maddelyn Marston – Excellence award
Future stars UCSC Yr 7
Jasmin Christie – Athlete of the Year
Kiara Lim – Encouragement Award
Future stars UCSC Y 8
Tia Murray – Athlete of the Year
Parker Henness – Encouragement Award
Future stars UCSC Yr 9
Elijah Eagleton – Athlete of the Year
Angelina Fomenko-Petri – Encouragement Award
BMX
Ngakau Abbot – Athlete of the Year
Memphis Blake – Encouragement Award
Junior Netball
Alizay Tamatea-Nelley – Athlete of the Year
Olivia Davidson – Encouragement Award
Senior Netball
Alexia McEvoy – Athlete of the Year
Nataly Santo – Encouragement Award
Girls Basketball
Esther Taleni – Athlete of the Year
Mia Blake – Encouragement Award
OTHERS
Ebony Nielson – Mayoral Award
Taiga Daly – Mayoral Award
Oliver Pearson – Hon. Mick Veivers AM Award
Charlie Guy and Julia Mannell – Carbine Club of Qld
Charlie Guy – Sportswoman of the Year
Liam Blakemore – Sportsman of the Year
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