Olympian praises Sports Darling Downs

Not-for-profit organisation plays massive part in sport development across Darling Downs region

THAT'S GOLD: Toowoomba's Mason Hughes (right) celebrates school state title success with coach Justin Anlezark. Anlezark has high praise for Sports Darling Downs and the group's passion for advancing sport in the region. Picture: CONTRIBUTED

THREE-TIME Olympian Justin Anlezark's love for Sports Darling Downs is immense.

The dual Senior Sports Star of the Year winner, senior star runner-up and Coach of the Year nominee is almost at a loss for words when describing the not-for-profit organisation.

"It's difficult to describe what Sports Darling Downs means,” Anlezark said.

"I think Toowoomba should feel honoured to have an organisation like it in the community.

"You'd be hard-pressed to find a man more passionate about advancing sport than (SDD president) Mick Smith.

"What he and Sports Darling Downs have achieved and the support they've provided is immense - I've been to lot of places and never seen anything like it.”

As a young athlete Anlezark experienced that support and passion first-hand.

"I felt honoured just to be recognised, to be nominated,” he said.

"To win a few was really special and the support meant a lot - I cherished every bit.

"It (the fund donations) was fuel money to Brisbane so I could compete. It was accommodation and other expenses, it all adds up.”

Now the former shot-putter is experiencing the "love” in a different way - nominated for the Coach of the Year award.

"I was really excited when I heard they (SDD) decided to recognise coaches,” Anlezark said.

"It (coaching) is something I am very passionate about. Without coaches and volunteers sport doesn't exist.

"So to see them honoured is fantastic.”

Working with a number of promising young throwers Anlezark said his philosophy is simple.

"I don't want a lot from coaching,” he said.

"I just take joy from being able to sit down with my athletes to work with them, to help them achieve their dreams.

"My focus is helping throw the best they can at their weight level each year - building up their skill level so they can develop and mature as throwers.”

Originally published as Olympian praises Sports Darling Downs