By JARROD POTTER
STARTING a new tradition of awarding our sporting best, the City of Greater Dandenong’s first annual Sports Awards highlighted how many great sportspeople and administrators the region holds.
Bringing together Dandenong’s sports community – from football, cricket, athletics, rugby league and many other codes – the region celebrated the brilliant achievements of athletes, clubs and volunteers throughout 2014.
Announcing the winners on Wednesday evening at Shepley Oval, Dandenong’s finest were acknowledged after an extensive nomination process.
Taking out the major awards for athletes were Sifan Badada (Springvale Little Athletics Club), Dandenong Women’s cricketer Carin Eastburn and Lifestyle Martial Arts rising star Aaliyah Corles.
Michael Selio (South East Titans RLC) was named Dandenong’s coach of the year for his work in rugby league, with Catherine Green highly commended for her work at Koala Gymnastics.
Others to impress came from Noble Park as the Tennis Club’s SAIL Project, helping encourage Sudanese immigrants and the Bulls’ under-13 team winning the 2014 South East Juniors premiership.
CITY OF GREATER DANDENONG SPORTS AWARDS
Coach of the Year: Michael Selio – South East Titans RLC.
Highly Commended Coach: Catherine Green – Koala Gymnastics Club.
Volunteer (joint-winners): Tracey Walden – Noble Park FC and Emma Gallagher – Dandenong Women CC.
Top Club: Rosswood Tennis Club.
Highly Commended Club: Noble Park JFC.
Project: Noble Park Community Tennis Club- SAIL (Sudanese Australia Integrated Learning) Project. Highly Commended Project: Club Noble.
Male Athlete: Sifan Badada – Springvale LAC.
Female Athlete: Carin Eastburn – Dandenong Women’s CC.
Junior Athlete: Aaliyah Corles – Lifestyle Martial Arts.
Team of the Year: Noble Park JFC under-13 team.
