For the first time, Port Macquarie has proved to have the most outstanding junior male and female surf lifesavers in NSW.
Henry Pannifex of Tacking Point Surf Life Saving Club and Emily Davidson of Port Macquarie SLSC took out the much sought after 2011 Junior Lifesaver of the Year awards.
Last week, during a day of finals on the sand and in the water at the 2011 Allphones NSW Age Surf Life Saving Championships,
the sporting competition stopped for the announcement of the 2011 Junior Lifesaver of the Year.
The prestigious award recognises and rewards outstanding younger members of the surf lifesaving movement; those who show an advanced level of maturity and leadership potential.
This year’s winners were chosen following a lengthy and difficult selection process, from a field of 22 State finalists.
The finalists recently completed a Junior Lifesaver of the Year development camp on the Gold Coast, where they took part in a range of activities to promote leadership and teamwork, including abseiling and rockclimbing.
Emily, 14, said winning the award was “the most incredible feeling”.
“I absolutely love being on the beach and knowing I can help look after the community,” she said of life saving.
“My main goal is to become a good patrol captain or club captain one day.
“[This award] will open so many doors and opportunities.”
Recognising Emily’s contrib-utions, NSW SLSC took into account that Emily has been involved in Surf Life Saving as a member of the Port Macquarie Surf Life Saving Club for the past seven seasons.
“Emily has been heavily involved in club training sessions where recently she took on the role of training nippers in preparation for the Country and State Championships.
“Recently Emily organised a membership and fundraising drive in her local.
“Over six days Emily and her team of friends, club members and supporters handed out 200 membership forms, 400 bumper stickers and spoke to hundreds of shoppers on the importance of Surf Life Saving and surf safety.
“Emily has also achieved her Surf Rescue Certificate and is now looking forward to helping out on patrol and giving back to her community.”
Henry has been involved in Surf Life Saving as a member of Tacking Point Surf Life Saving Club for the past four seasons.
A self professed water baby and keen surfer, last season Henry received his Surf Rescue Certificate which allowed him to join his dad on patrols and keep his local beach safe.
“I just love being on the beach; I’ve been surfing since I was pretty little too,” he said.
“Winning this award is massive for me.”
Henry, 15, is a strong competitor, placing third in the Ironman event at the Country Titles and first in the individual Board Event.
He also returned from Kingscliff on Sunday making the finals after competing in a grade above his own, he said.
Henry was very happy with his Silver medal in the recent Under 14 Board Race at the State Championships and he also competed in the U14 Ironman event.
Henry’s focus is to help keep friends of his age within the organisation.
To do this, Henry has identified an opportunity to set up a recognition award for Under 15s that helps keep his age group involved in the movement by recognising the contributions they make at their club.
