SPORTS clubs were the big winners last week when Brimbank Council announced the recipients of the 2011 sports awards.
Coach of the Year went to Geoff Guy from the Delahey Recreation Club and Mark Chamley from the Brimbank Little Athletics Centre.
Guy said he was surprised when the announcement was made but it was a very proud moment.
The tennis coach said working with motivated youngsters was reward in itself but to receive public recognition was a bonus.
“Tennis is my life. I’ve been coaching since I was 27 and now I’m 61,” he said.
When he first began coaching at the club in 2005, there were only 25 – now there are more than 200.
“Kids should be out there playing sports and off the streets. It’s a healthy lifestyle.”
Sunshine Heights Cricket Club took out the title for Community Club of the Year and Club Management of the Year.
Mr Lewinsky said that the Sunshine Heights Cricket Club was an outstanding example of how a sports club can engage and support its local community.
“The employment of a cultural aid to support the involvement of players from non-English speaking backgrounds has resulted in one of the highest participation rates of refugee and new migrant players in Australia in cricket,” Mr Lewinsky said.
The winner of the Sporting Volunteer of the Year Award was Dana Hill who spends more than 15 hours a week managing the Keilor Little Athletics Centre computer system. The Sunshine Memorial RSL Bowling Club won the Inclusive Club of the Year Award for its work with people with disabilities.
