Significant highlights of the Morrison/Wellman Family medals night at the G.V. Hotel in Shepparton on Monday evening were the announcement and presentations to our Football and Netball Rising Star Awards brilliantly sponsored by CVGT, the Employment and Training Specialists. Representing CVGT, Mr Matt BEQIR presented a plaque and a cheque for $500 to both Chicky BARR from the Kyabram A Grade netball team and Jason COLE from the Seymour Seniors. Chicky whose real name is actually the lovely Chicquita could still be playing in the 17 and Under competition but such is her ability she plays as a Goal Shooter in the strong Ky A Grade outfit. Chicky has played brilliantly right through the year to actually record 17 votes in the Wellman Family medal vote count. A very good future in netball has Chicky. Jason COLE won the G.V.F.L.'s Pattison Medal as best and fairest player in the Under 18 competition in season 2008 and jumped straight into the strong Seymour senior team from Round 1. Jason played in all games but for Round 17 and certainly matched it in Senior company right throughout the year and is a most worthy winner for season 2009. All the nominations for both footy and netball's CVGT Rising Star were outstanding and we as a League can be very proud to have youngsters of this ability and personality representing themselves and their club and our League so well. Congratulations to all the nominated players and once again, hearty congratulations to Chicky and Jason. Also, on behalf of Chicky and Jason, we as a League are most appreciative and very grateful to these wonderful awards from CVGT Employment and Training Specialists who continue to support youth in our local communities.
Back on August the 1st, our Chairman Mr Ian McDONALD was at Princess Park for the Shepparton Swans v Mansfield Under 18 game and became aware of a very special young man who made his debut for the Swans in that Round 15 clash. The Swans were sitting 2nd on the ladder but had a few injuries and were up against the young Eagles who were then 6th on the ladder fighting to hold on or to improve their spot in the six. Macca was taken aback and was very touched by the love and support shown by the Swans Under 18's Coach Phil NICHOLSON and his players and the Club in general for the mateship and welfare of 17 year old Jonno HOLTHUISEN. Jonno has suffered from the insidious disease cystic fibrosis which gives the sufferer "wet lungs" and Jonno has had a particularly tough run requiring treatment at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne for up to 14 days at a time every month or so and having to be so careful with every germ that is out there. But with a terrific attitude and great support from his Dad Garry, Nicho his coach and his team-mates, Jonno cracked it for his first game with the Swans on this day and was part of the 50 point win. Jonno certainly remembers his first touch when he got the footy but was smothered by three Eagles. Jonno stated at the time "You can't quite do the things that normal, average people can do with physical education and stuff like that. In the third quarter I laid my first tackle and I was a bit buggered after that so I came off." Jonno was hoping back then that the Swans could maintain the course and be part of the September action. "Its been really good, all the players are understanding. It's just about the enjoyment of playing sport, the Swans have helped me a lot and football is one of my favourite sports. I was hoping to get one or two games but it did'nt really matter, I like hanging around with the group at the football club." Well Done Jonno, you are an inspiration - keep up the Good Work. And, well done to Chairman Macca for identifying such a terrific young man and instigating this excellent Spirit of Football Award. And, a BIG thank-you to Mr Gary BUCKLAND from Veolia Environmental Services who sponsored the award and presented Jonno with a mounted Veolia SHERRIN football.
Last Modified on 10/06/2010 15:20