Locals nominated in state sport awards

THE Anglesea SLSC and head coach Christine Cardwell lead the way as finalists for the 2022 Victorian Sports Awards which celebrate the achievements of home-grown sporting heroes and legends.

Across a total of 20 award categories, the Victorian Sports Awards will 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.

Up against the likes of the Melbourne Football Club, Deakin Melbourne Boomers and the Victorian Special Olympics Team for the AED Authority Team of the Year, Anglesea SLSC head coach Christine Cardwell said it was an absolute honour for the club’s open age 6-person Rescue and Resuscitation team to be recognised alongside some sporting heavyweights.

“It’s a great honour to be in the same breath as high-level clubs like we are with this award nomination.

“The R and R team bring over 100 years of life saving experience together, and while only being conjoined as an official team for two years, they’ve got amazing composure and have worked very hard to secure Australian Titles and other honours thus far.

“Our team consists of people aged 22 to 39 who have all been in the sport for a long time… they’re great role models and the full package when it comes to being what a lifesaver embodies.

“I’ve got a great rapport with my team and it’s important that there is plenty of mutual respect there between us to ultimately do well.

“Hopefully only being the second team in Victorian history to win the Surf Life Saving Australia title for R and R can get us over the line for team of the year.”

For her personal efforts, Mrs Cardwell has also been nominated for the Gallagher Community Coach of the Year.

Other Surf Coast nominees for the Victorian Sports Awards include star junior surfer Willis Droomer – Rebel Young Athlete of the Year and the Surfing Victoria Indigenous Surfing Program which is up for the Polyton Peter Norman Inclusion Award.

 

 

The Barwon Valley Golf Club, Geelong Athletics official Anna Devondish and Bellarine Olympic mogul skiing champion are also all nominated as finalists for an award.

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

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