Two local athletes from two very different sports have taken out the youth categories at the Logan City Council 2016 City of Logan Sports Awards held last Thursday.
Jimboomba athlete Ashley Moloney was named Young Sportsperson of the Year (male). Ashley last month competed at the Athletics North Queensland track and field championships in an under 18s decathlon event and beat an record set by an Olympian in Cedric Dubler.
Young Sportsperson (female) of the Year was awarded to BMX racing champion Molly McGill of New Beith who took out the Australian National BMX Championship in March this year and is about to represent Australia at the Grand Nationals BMX Challenge in the U.S.
Other winners on the night included retiring Brisbane Broncos captain Corey Parker and heavyweight world boxing champion Alex Leapai who were inducted into the Logan Sporting Hall of Fame at the awards.
Corey Parker also took out Sportsperson of the Year and Sportsman of the Year.
The awards, presented at the city’s Metro Indoor Sports Centre, also honoured other local sporting identities who have achieved greatness in their chosen fields.
Firebirds netball rookie Hulita Haukinima was named Sportswoman of the Year.
Daisy Hill runner and world title holder, 67 year old Wilma Perkins was awarded Sports Veteran of the Year. Wilma is about to compete at the World Masters Athletics Championships in Perth.
The Elite Athlete with a Disability went to Paralympic shooter Natalie Smith who was a competitor at the recent Paralympics in Rio.
The Australia v China International Men’s Volleyball three-match series played in May this year at the Logan Metro Indoor Sports Centre received the Sports Event of the Year award.
Sports Organisation of the Year went to the Special Olympics Logan Allstars for transforming the lives of people with an intellectual disability through regular sport, competition and personal development.
Football Federation referee Lara Lee’s commitment to women’s soccer saw her win Sports Official of the Year and Sports Administrator of the Year was presented to Springwood Puma’s president Andrew Hickman.
Logan Lightning 2015 Brisbane Women’s Premier League team was honoured with Sports Team of the Year.
Southern Stars Baseball Club veteran Karen Gallpen’s passion for producing young talented players was recognised by winning Sports Coach of the Year.
Council’s Sports and Community Services Committee Chair Councillor Steve Swenson said the awards recognise Logan’s sports champions and those who work tirelessly behind them.
"These awards not only pay tribute to our elite performers but also the trainers, coaches and sports officials whose countless hours of hard work behind the scenes often goes unnoticed.
“Sport not only brings many health benefits but also strengthens the community and instils lifelong skills to build a more cohesive and inclusive society.”
“Logan City Council has a huge focus on encouraging its residents to play sport and hopefully in doing this, we are inspiring the next generation of champion athletes.”
