Sports Darling Downs supports regional athletes

Sports group provides almost $1million in support

AWARD WIN: Paralympian Claire Keefer celebrates her Sports Darling Downs Senior Sport Star of the Year award win last year. Picture: Kevin Farmer

CHARITY: When Sports Darling Downs celebrates its 20th anniversary next year, president Mick Smith says it will have contributed more than $1 million to the dreams of our region's athletes.

The organisation is now considered a benchmark of charitable success but it all began with the founding committee members contributing $20 each toward the initial start-up costs.

"It blows my mind when I think about how it all began," Smith said.

"Every year it's grown and we've been able to support more and more athletes from around the region.

"In the beginning we were just trying to help anyone who made Toowoomba or district side. Now we can proudly list Olympians and world champions among those we have been able to help."

Tonight Sports Darling Downs will hold its annual awards dinner to honour the region's junior and senior athletes.

Among the special guests will be young thrower Mason Hughes who will give a speech, something Smith cannot wait to hear.

"One of the things we are most proud of is our Speak up for Sport program," Smith said.

"It's a program that helps our young athletes improve their confidence and public speaking. Our goal has always been to help the people we support to become better athletes and people.

"We love seeing the young athletes grow. The difference between when they start and finish the program is amazing."

Nearing that $1 million mark, Smith paid credit to the organisation's devoted supporters.

"None of the businesses that support us are in it for the plaudits," he said.

"They're there because they want to help others succeed - many have been with us from the start. That dedication is the reason we are so successful."

Originally published as Sports Darling Downs supports regional athletes