A 14-year-old basketball umpire and a female surfing coach are among 23 promising coaches and officials being recognised by the State Government.
Recreation and Sport Minister Michael Wright has announced the recipients of the Office for Recreation and Sport’s Coaching and Officiating Scholarships and Wendy Ey Memorial Coaching Scholarships for Women for 2008.
The 23 scholarships valued at $1000 each have been awarded to coaches and officials from a variety of sports in both metropolitan and regional areas.
Mr Wright says the scholarships recognise the important role coaches and officials play in the delivery of sport to the community.
“These scholarships recognise our sporting stars of a different kind,” he said.
“Having access to trained coaches and officials is vital to sport and physical activity in this State. The scholarships assist our volunteer officials to further develop their skills and to achieve success in their chosen sport.”
Mr Wright says he is pleased to award the youngest ever recipient of an Officiating Scholarship – 14-year-old Patrick Brennan.
“Patrick is setting a terrific example as a young basketball referee who is out umpiring nearly every night of the week and who has some admirable goals in wanting to become an even better official,” he said.
“At just 14, Patrick says officiating in sport is a gratifying experience and he is encouraging other young people to get involved. He is a great ambassador for the importance of officials.”
Winners of the Wendy Ey Memorial Coaching Scholarships for Women include female surfing coach Cheryl Peat and apprentice elite netball coach Kirsten Dodd. These scholarships are awarded in the memory of the late Wendy Ey, who was a pioneer in improving women’s participation in sport and recreation in the 1980s and 1990s.
Cheryl Peat will use the scholarship to gain her Level 2 coaching qualifications.
“The scholarship will not only benefit me as a coach but will also support females surfing in South Australia to progress to an elite level,” Cheryl said.
Kirsten Dodd will work with renowned netball coach Marg Angove as an apprentice coach for the SASI State League squad this season. Kirsten will also use the scholarship to gain her Level 2 coaching accreditation.
“This will enhance my coaching ability and work towards my goal of coaching underage state squads,” Kirsten said.
Mr Wright says the Government is committed to enhancing sport opportunities for women and to supporting coaches and officials.
“The winners announced today have shown dedication and a passion to develop their skills as coaches and officials,” he said.
“The scholarships will provide them with financial assistance they can put towards further education, training resources and obtaining higher qualifications.”
Winners are:
Wendy Ey Memorial Coaching Scholarships for Women
Susan Casanova - Orienteering
Kirsten Dodd - Netball
Kate Johnson - Gymnastics
Vicky Knight - Rowing
Cheryl Peat - Surfing
Jennifer Schulz - Special Olympics
Vicky Spencer - Rowing
Carolyn Veldhuyzen - Swimming
Rachel Vincent - Equestrian
Office for Recreation and Sport Coaching Scholarships
Robi Chalmers - Ice Skating
Andrea Ford - Riding for the Disabled
Kay Haarsma - Orienteering
Tim Maloney - Wheelchair Sports
Robyn Vivian - Netball
Office for Recreation and Sport Officiating Scholarships
Patrick Brennan - Basketball
Elizabeth Duncan - Equestrian
Samantha Moyle - Equestrian
Tara Mae O’Connor - Ice Skating
Dusty-Lee Rea - Netball Steve Wallace-Yarrow - Softball
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