Sporting excellence recognised in Geelong

THE Barwon Valley Golf Club is the toast of the Geelong sporting community after being named a finalist for the Love the Game Community Sporting Club of the Year at the 2022 Victorian Sports Awards.

Across a total of 20 award categories, the Victorian Sports Awards honour those who have made an exceptional contribution to sport either as an individual or through their team as a coach, team member, volunteer or administrator.

Following a record number of nominations by the Victorian sporting community, finalists have been deciphered by a voting panel of Olympians, former athletes and Victorian sports administrators.

As one of Geelong’s only nominees for a Victorian Sports Award, Barwon Valley Golf Club General Manager Nathan Sharrock said the club felt incredibly honoured and proud to say be cited for their commitment to breaking down barriers so that anyone regardless of age, cultural background, ability, gender, religious belief or sexual orientation can feel welcome.

“We like to pride ourselves on our gender equality within our organisation… we’ve got a female president, secretary and general board members… overall it’s a half-half split.

“There is a voice for everyone at our club and that extends to our clinics and pathway programs which are developed for people of all ages, genders and abilities.

“A golfer can just be someone who hits a couple of balls and has a chardonnay afterwards, they don’t need to all be doing competition on a Saturday.

“Golf clubs can sometimes be intimidating places, so we ultimately try and break down those barriers to make sure all can participate and enjoy themselves.”

While being their first Victorian Sports Award finalist nomination, the Barwon Valley Golf Club have been lauded within the golfing community before, finishing as a finalist in the 2022 Golf Australia Visionary of the Year award.

“We don’t run the club for awards, but it’s certainly a nice bonus to be seen in that light.

“To be recognised as a finalist for this award is affirmation that we are on the right track.”

Other finalists for Victorian Sports Awards from across the Greater Geelong, Surf Coast and Bellarine region include –

Christine Cardwell – Lifesaving – Anglesea SLSC – Gallagher Community Coach of the Year

Anna Devonish – Athletics – Geelong – etrainu Community Official of the Year

Anglesea SLSC – Life Saving – AED Authority Team of the Year

Willis Droomer – Surfing – Rebel Young Athlete of the Year

Surfing Victoria Indigenous Surfing Program –– Surfing – Polytan Peter Norman Inclusion Award

Jakara Anthony – Mogul Skiing – Kitty McEwan Award

The 2022 Victorian Sports Awards winners will be announced at Marvel Stadium, Docklands on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.

For more, head to https://vicsport.com.au/2022-victorian-sport-awards