Local sporting legends and rising stars from both on and off the field were recognised at the 2022 Ipswich Sports Awards.
Community, Culture, Arts and Sport Committee Chairperson Councillor Andrew Fechner said it was fantastic to see such high-achieving finalists and award winners whose efforts will undoubtedly encourage and inspire future generations.
“The hard work and dedication of athletes, coaches, officials, administrators and volunteers at all levels of sport is outstanding,” Cr Fechner said.
“These annual awards are our opportunity to formally recognise and laud the remarkable achievements of those making a significant and genuine difference to sport in our region.
“Sport brings our community together, improves health and well-being, and helps keeps us connected with each other – and this is all made possible by the tireless efforts of those involved locally.”
Winners of the eight award categories are:
- Coach of the Year: Mark Sills (Athletics)
- Volunteer of the Year: Rita Langer (Rugby League)
- Team of the Year: Tigers Softball A Men
- Official of the Year: Steve Rogers (Hockey)
- Sporting Organisation of the Year: Ipswich Hockey Association
- Masters Sportsperson of the Year: Steven Graham (Weightlifting)
- Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Holyee-Ann Jackson (BMX Racing)
- Senior Sportsperson of the Year: Jade Lally (Athletics)
Junior Sportsperson of the Year, Holyee-Ann Jackson, and Senior Sportsperson of the Year, Jade Lally, will have their names and sport permanently displayed on the Honour Board at the North Ipswich Reserve Corporate Centre.
The 2022 Awards were held at the North Ipswich Reserve Corporate Centre on 4 November and the winners of each award category received $2,000 in prize money.
The Ipswich community nominated 95 sportspeople, volunteer administrators and teams this year representing sports as varied as athletics, Australian rules football, baseball, BMX, cricket, cycling, soccer, hockey, karting, martial arts, netball, rugby league, rugby union, softball, swimming, trampoline and weightlifting.
Ipswich is home to more than 150 sport and recreation clubs, 200 facilities, fields, courts, tracks and clubhouses, 55 council-owned sport facilities and 100 seasonal sporting permits.
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