Olympian Kobie McGurk congratulated up-and-coming hockey talent Aimee Harris on her award.

7th December 2009

Local BMX star Lauren Reynolds capped off an outstanding year on the track by taking out the major prize at the South West Academy of Sport’s inaugural annual awards on Friday night.

The exciting Clifton Park talent was named the winner of the SWAS 2009 Sports Star of the Year Award (sponsored by The Griffin Group) and accepted her trophy at a special gala dinner at the All Seasons Sanctuary Golf Resort.

Reynolds competed at several international events this year to earn an impressive seventh overall placing in the 2009 UCI BMX Supercross World Cup, placing her in a prime position to claim the award.

The awards night, attended by about 180 guests including Olympic hockey player Kobie McGurk and Minister for Sport and Recreation Terry Waldron, also recognised the best athletes in the academy’s partner sports of basketball, hockey, Australian Rules football and soccer.

The 2009 Australian Rules Football Athlete of the Year (sponsored by the WA Football Commission) was won by Manjimup young gun Riley Hutchinson.

Bunbury court talent Tyler Hickert won the 2009 Basketball Athlete of the Year Award (sponsored by MPM Development Consultants and Stockman Holden).

The 2009 Football (Soccer) Athlete of the Year Award (sponsored by City of Bunbury Councillor Derek Spencer) was presented to promising young athlete Callum Richardson of Australind.

Gifted Gelorup hockey player Aimee Harris was crowned the recipient of the 2009 Hockey Athlete of the Year (sponsored by FHE Field Hockey Equipment and WA Country Builders).

Up-and-coming basketball player James Goodlad claimed the Emerging Star Award (sponsored by the Department of Sport and Recreation).

SWAS chief executive officer Bernice Butlion congratulated all award winners.

“These fine athletes have worked hard for their results and are deserving of being the South West Academy of Sport’s inaugural award winners,” she said.

“I’m sure we can expect more achievements from these bright young stars in the future.”

Butlion also thanked local businesses and individuals for making the awards night possible, including Lomax Media and Totally Sound.

…ENDS