Commonwealth Games silver medallist, Timothy Hodge is Blacktown City’s

Published on 16 February 2019

Commonwealth Games silver medallist, Timothy Hodge is Blacktown City’s 36th Sportsperson of the Year.

The 18-year old swimmer from Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown was named Sportsperson of the Year at Blacktown City’s Sports Awards Gala Dinner on Saturday at Blacktown City RSL Club.

Timothy was attending a swim meet in Victoria at the weekend and his award was accepted on his behalf by his long-time Patrician Brothers teacher and mentor, Greg Beacroft.

“Timothy made swimming history when he became the only para-swimmer to qualify and compete in three events at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April, 2018,” said Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali.

“Not only did Timothy compete in three events he won Silver medals in S9 100m Breastroke and the S9 100m Backstroke.

“His persistence, hard work and dedication over many years paid off with a haul of silver on the Gold Coast.

“Timothy is an inspiration not only for Blacktown’s sporting community but also for our entire community.” Mayor Bali said.

Timothy has been selected for the Australian Dolphins team for the past four years and was named Male Swimmer of the Meet at the 2018 NSW All Schools Swimming Championships where he won four gold and 2 silver medals.

Timothy also excelled at the 2018 Australian Age Swimming Championships in Sydney last April where he competed in five events and won four gold and one silver and along the way set three NSW records for 17-year olds.

Timothy was one of more than 80 sports competitors, coaches, administrators and officials to be nominated for the 2018 Blacktown Sports Awards.

One of the most prestigious Awards for the evening was the Mayor’s Shield.

This award is selected by the Mayor of Blacktown City. The recipient is a resident who has made an outstanding contribution to a sport or sporting organisation for many years.

Mayor Bali presented the 2018 Mayor’s Shield award to Ron Keys who has given more than 40-years’ service to Little Athletics, in particular Doonside Little Athletics.

“Ron has been the stalwart of Doonside LAC, holding the position of Treasurer for 35-years and has also officiated at State and National Little Athletics and Athletics Australia championships.

“Ron is always at the finishing line at Little A’s and always has an encouraging word for the kids. He is truly an icon of our Blacktown’s sporting community,” Mayor Bali said.

Blacktown Sports Awards winners:

Sportsperson of the Year:                   Timothy Hodge – swimming

Sports Coach of the Year:     Brett Kirk - Softball

Junior Sportsperson of the Year:        Holly Kerslake - Trampolining

Sports Volunteer of the Year:             Robert McKinlay – Junior Rugby League

Sports Official of the Year:                 Faye Lewis - Swimming

Team of the Year:                               10 & Under Girls Harry Beck Inter-district Team - Tennis

Club of the Year:                                           Blacktown Little Athletics

Mayor’s Shield:                                               Ron Keys - Athletics

Mayor Bali congratulated every nominee in the 2018 Sports Awards.

“To have been nominated is a fantastic achievement in itself and you should all be very proud of yourselves and your sporting accomplishments,” he said.

“I wish you all the best of luck in your future sporting endeavours.”

Blacktown City Council has been presenting Sports Awards since 1983, recognising the City’s sports men, women, boys and girls.

The program involves people of all ages and levels of competition, and promotes sports and sporting clubs within the community.           

Photo: Mayor Stephen Bali, Ron Keys (winner of the Mayor’s Shield), Cr Brad Bunting, Mark Geyer.