By Ron Lane
Last Friday evening local government, sporting bodies, athletes and sponsors from all over the coast gathered at the Twin Waters Tourist Resort for the annual Sunshine Coast Sports Federation Dinner and Presentation of Awards.
In his words of welcome, master of ceremonies Ben Pike informed guests that that evening the Federation was celebrating its 50 years of service to the sporting community of the Sunshine Coast.
During the evening Benny’s outstanding contribution over many years to this organisation, was acknowledged by a well-deserved standing ovation.
His loyalty and incredible knowledge of the coast’s sporting history has been a major factor in the success and long life of the Federation. Well done Benny.
For the Noosa Community, representatives from surf lifesaving, amateur boxing and rugby union were in attendance; and it was indeed a successful evening.
In the team awards, the Senior Team of the Year was won by the Noosa Dolphins Rugby Union A Grade.
Following a season that saw them go undefeated, the award came as no surprise.
“We consider this to be an overall club award,” Club President Donald McKill said.
“The support we received from all club people from management through to our supporters has been incredible; so on behalf of the team thank you one and all.”
In the junior division of team awards, this also went to a local club, the Impact Boxing Academy Cooroy.
For these people it certainly rounded off an unbelievable year.
With members of his junior boxing squad standing beside him, club President and coach Mark Evans said, “It’s fantastic to receive this award; from all of us – our juniors have performed beyond all expectations and made us very proud.”
Both teams extended a big thank you to all their sponsors.
It is to be hoped that both Dolphins and Impact continue their success in the coming months.
Regarding the boxing club the Commonwealth Games are fast approaching and the possibility of members being chosen to represent their country is indeed a possibility.
At the completion of the evening, Dolphins Donald McKill said, “To maintain last season’s high standard will indeed be a challenge. We hope to maintain a high standard of rugby in Noosa but we know it won’t be easy. Our plans for the forthcoming season are already underway.”
With the season in mind, the Dolphins have announced the sign-on dates for the Junior/Senior players as being 17 and 24 February, starting at 3.30pm at their clubhouse.
Also their annual Dolphins Long Lunch Sponsorship Event will again be on the supporters’ social calendar.
This is now looked on as Noosa’s sporting lunch of the year with guest speakers all of legendary status.
With the many teams that contest our summer and winter sports, to have two from our community named as the best, speaks volumes about our people; players, administrators and supporters.
