Hume’s best shine bright at Leader Local Sports Stars awards
AN ATHLETICS world champion, talented tennis player and touch rugby powerhouse have won the 2017 Hume Leader Local Sports Stars Awards.
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AN ATHLETICS world champion, a talented tennis player and touch rugby powerhouse have won the 2017 Hume Leader Local Sports Stars Awards.
The Leader Local Sports Stars program has celebrated the best in local sport and the extraordinary efforts of junior and senior athletes across Melbourne over the past four decades.
The 2017 winners were announced at a ceremony held at Etihad Stadium last week, hosted by Stephen Quartermain.
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Anna Kasapis, who took out the Hume Senior Sports Star award, said she was “chuffed” to receive the honour.
The Westmeadows track star won gold in the 1500m for ages 35-39 at the biannual World Masters Athletics Championships.
Kasapis also placed second at the Victorian Open Mile Championships.
“I do my sport for no other reason than that I love it. I’m driven by goals and winning the Masters was such a big buzz, and to be recognised for that achievement is really nice,” Kasapis, 40, said.
She said she was now even more driven to defend her Masters title next year.
Kasapis took up athletics at 18, and never looked back after discovering a talent for long-distance running.
The health and physical education teacher said it was a great feeling to be a role model to her primary school students.
AMOR JASIKA
Tennis young gun Amor Jasika claimed the Hume Junior Sports Star award.
The Greenvale boy is ranked No.1 in Australia for his age group, after winning the 12-years-and-under Australian title at Melbourne Park.
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He won the Hume Tennis and Community Centre Junior Tournament Silver in the under-14 singles, and has been a previous winner at the Tennis Coaches Australia Victoria Championships, Tennis World Junior Hardcourt Championships and North Ringwood Junior Tournament.
Amor’s mum Sabina Jasika said the award was a huge motivation and all her son’s hard work had paid off.
“We are very proud of him and we appreciate everything that (the) Leader has done to support him,” Mrs Jasika said.
MELAIA RATU
Touch rugby talent Melaia Ratu took home the Hume Young Sporting Spirit award.
Melaia said she was “very excited” to win the award because she prided herself on being a team player and having a good attitude.
Melaia was selected for the School Sports Victoria 12-years-and-under girls’ touch rugby team to compete at the Pacific School Games.
She won best team player at the previous year’s tournament for her good sportsmanship and positive team attitude.
She also undertook a six-week program to help improve her knowledge and skills at the Touch Rugby Academy.
The Leader Local Sports Stars program is sponsored by Sportsmart, SportsTG and Gold 104.3.
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