The Forbes Sportsperson of the Year Association (SOYA) hosted their annual Awards Presentation Dinner at the Forbes Sport & Recreation Club during March.
The evening’s proceedings was opened by SOYA President Andrew Norton-Knight and Master of Ceremonies Nick Turner, whom also welcomed this year’s special guest Alana Thomas, a former Australian Rugby Union Wallaroo and current Australian Wallaroo Development Coach.
“It is fantastic to see so many of the nominees here with us tonight and I would like to congratulate each and every one of them on their nomination. Regardless of the outcome of the awards tonight, you are all winners,” said Nick.
The 2018 award recipients were:
• The Forbes Shire Council Fair Go Award – The Forbes Soccer Association.
• The Hello World Travel Special Sports Awards – Blair Barnes, Emma Dick, Jasper Mackay, Grace Mckeown and Jakieal Ware.
• The Cahill’s Footwear School Awards. Eugowra Public School – Reece Matheson; Forbes Public School – Jonah Little; Red Bend Catholic College – Darcy Leadbitter and St Laurence’s School – Bradman Hardy.
• The Central West Credit Union Sports Achiever – Ben Molloy.
• The Forbes Netball Association Terry Wade Award – Tim Mackay.
• The Complete Plumbing & Gas Fitting Umpire/Referee/Official Trophy – Sam Mackay and Jack Piercy.
• The Phillip Adams Encouragement Award – Laura Chudleigh.
• The Forbes Sportsperson of the Year Association Merit Awards – Ellie Flick, Ellie Glasson, Andie Hodder, Brooke Kelly, Darcy Leadbitter, Jade Page and Aurella White.
• The Forbes Sport & Recreation Club Coach/Trainer Award – Barry Molloy.
• The President’s Award – Forbes Public School Junior Girls 4 x 50m Freestyle relay team.
• The Neil Morrison Livestock Transport Administration Award – Steve Grallelis.
• The McGroder’s Solicitors All Round Sports Achiever – Jonah Little.
• The Walker’s Ag N Vet Team Award – Forbes Magpies Under 18 Rugby League Team.
• Robb’s Jewellers Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Stephanie Behan.
• The Gunn’s Menswear Senior Sportsperson
of the Year – Leisa Burton.
• The Forbes Services Memorial 2018 Sportsperson of the Year runner up – Charlie Staines.
• The Forbes Advocate 2018 Sportsperson of the Year – Tom Drane.
“I would like to thank everyone for supporting our local sporting talents. Without nominations the awards will not continue and the committee rely on sporting organisations and community members to submit nominations.
Thanks is also extended to the independent panel of judges who chose the winners for 2018,” Nick concluded.