THE sheer joy and surprise on the faces of many Rosewood Little Athletics Centre competitors highlights the value of annual awards presentations.
While consistent performers were delighted to be recognised for their season efforts, other young people were grateful to receive an encouragement trophy.
Rosewood Little Athletics recording officer and coach Samantha Berry was delighted to see so many young athletes acknowledged at the latest end of season trophy presentation at St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School Hall.
“They were a very pleased crowd,” she said.
“Sometimes the kids getting their trophies are really surprised.”
Among the winners were Samantha’s son Thomas, who was named senior champion for the first time.
Thomas, 12, competed at regional and state level in events like the 1500m walk, discus and shotput.
Female senior champion Heidi Bunter was one of the club’s leading participants for attendance and competing every week.
Junior champions Jackson Carlyle and Lilly Thomson were repeat winners, having been outstanding club performers in recent seasons.
Jackson competed at state level in the 400m and walk.
“Lilly scores a lot of points. She only just missed out to make it through to states this year,” Berry said.
Samantha’s other son Jack, 14, received the Citizenship Award for his efforts across the club and community.
“He’s been working the last two years doing all our warm-ups with the kids,” his proud mum said.
“He really encourages all the other kids, particularly in their PBs [personal bests].”
Another popular winner was Derek “DJ” Jean Tailalo Faanoi who was encouraged for his enthusiasm “always being there and always part of the team”.
Berry was also thrilled to see the centre’s youngest Tiny Tots recognised.
The awards were presented after a season with extra challenges due to the centre being unable to train and compete at its usual Rosewood State High School venue.
Berry appreciated Ipswich Little Athletics Centre officials inviting Rosewood competitors to share Limestone Park while school upgrade works were carried out.
“Most of our members enjoyed the extra competition so we’re hoping to continue the amalgamation with Ipswich for their championship days,” Berry said.
Berry hopes the Rosewood centre can resume weekly activities at Rosewood State High School when the next season starts in September.
Before that, the AGM is being held on May 19 at the school athletics track.
Berry thanked Bendigo Bank in Rosewood for their major sponsorship support of the latest awards.
2023-24 award winners
Senior Champions: Thomas Berry, Heidi Bunter
Junior Champions: Jackson Carlyle, Lilly Thomson
Citizenship Award: Jack Berry
Encouragement: Maleah Laei, Derek Jean Tailalo Faanoi
Encouragement Tiny Tots: Thea Bender, Tobias Baker
Most improved
U6: Seth Davidson, Charlotte Ferguson
U7: Hamish Evans, Lexi Bender
U8: Hudson Cairnes, Indie White
U9: Eli Davidson, Lilly Thomson
U10: Spencer Bird, Havana Weedon
U11: Jackson Carlyle, Shymika Rule, Annabelle Smith, Meadow Brown
U12: Callum Bunter, Mia Carlyle
U13: Cameron Thomson, Heidi Bunter
U14: Max Jenson
U15: Jack Berry, Tyler Fritz, Kyla-Shaye Fritz.
Age Group trophies (1st, 2nd, 3rd, participation)
U6M: Seth Davidson, Noah White, Ted Evans, Jasper Laei. U6F: Charlotte Ferguson, Matilda Carson.
U7M: Zachary Crowell, Billy Via, Hamish Evans, Benjamin Douthwaite. U7F: Lexi Bender, Keannah Brown, Leilani Phillips.
U8M: Arthur Bird, Hudson Cairnes, Oliver Halliday. U8F: Alexis Ferguson, Sienna Laughton, Indie White, Caitlin Brown and Hope Evans.
U9M: Eli Davidson, Derek Jean Tailao Faanoi, Max Via, Geoffrey Needham and Daniel Jones. U9F: Lilly Thomson, Ivy Evans.
U10M: Spencer Bird, Declan Pappin, Liam Laughton, Atticus Brown and Nathan Page. U10F: Chelsea Brown, Havana Weedon, Maleah Laei, Mitta James.
U11M: Jackson Carlyle, Jackson Fritz, Brax Evans. U11F: Ava Seccombe, Meadow Brown, Annabelle Smith; Shymika Rule, Isabelle Pettiford, Teresa Needham and Eden Jones.
U12M: Callum Bunter. U12F: Mia Carlyle, Talia Owens.
U13M: Thomas Berry, Cameron Thomson. U13F: Heidi Bunter, Ivy Needham.
U14M: Max Jenson, Liam Walther.
U15M: Jack Berry, Tyler Fritz. U15F: Kyla-Shaye Fritz, Lucy Williams.
Tiny Tots trophies: Malachi Brown, Brooke Spelleken, Chloe Pennell, Eloise Moloney, Hermione Carson, Adam Bender, Hudson Featherstone, Owen Moloney, Phillip Burns, Tobias Baker, Thea Bender, Cameron Brown, Hudson Halliday, Kolton Davids.
