By LIAM TWOMEY
OUTSTANDING athletes from Melbourne’s Western Suburbs have contributed to making the 2012/13 Don Deeble Rising Star Award one of the most impressive in its history.
With nominations for the cycle beginning in June 2012, the Don Deeble Rising Star Award has been presented to 16 athletes from all corners of the West who have achieved outstanding results at a state or national level.
From the 16 nominees, a total of 13 sports were also represented including volleyball, cricket, hockey, netball and football.
The Don Deeble Rising Star Award is run by the Sunshine Western Region Sports Club and is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club.
Each month, one nominee receives $1000 towards achieving their sporting goals while at the award’s grand final, the overall winner is given $5000.
On top of that, this year will see three runners-up each receive $2000.
After hours of deliberation by award organisers, the finalists for the award are Aaron Wain (taekwondo), Dejan Vasiljevic (basketball), Morgan Mitchell (athletics) and Nathan Pellissier (table tennis).
All four young athletes have not only reached an incredibly high level of results at a state level but have also progressed to national and international competition.
Sunshine Western Region Sports Club vice-resident Barry Watson was rapt with the calibre of nominees.
“The standard this year has been very high and very even,” Watson said.
“We have a hard job in deciding the placegetters with this year’s lot having more depth to their talents.”
The overall winner will be announced on Wednesday 29 January.
Also on the night, former AFL player and coach David Parkin will be the guest speaker for the event.
Previous winners of the Don Deeble Rising Star Award have included rising Australian basketball stars Rachel Jarry and Dante Exum, national women’s hockey member Danielle Schubach and cycling star Kendelle Hodges while current Australian Women’s Ashes representative Jess Cameron and AFL footballer Bachar Houli were also monthly nominees.
With the 2012/13 Don Deeble Rising Star Award cycle drawing to a close, organisers are now on the lookout for more young talent to nominate this year.
“We certainly encourage all athletes, coaches and parents to email their respective son’s, daughter’s, friend’s or kid’s achievements (age bracket 13-20),” Watson said.
“There are a number of ways, even if not nominated for a monthly award, that they can be helped.
“Any athlete travelling and having to pay costs can be supported by our club.”
To nominate a junior athlete for the Don Deeble Rising Star Award, contact starsport@starnewsgroup.com.au or call 9933 4800.
