Blacktown City 2020 Sports Awards

Published on 25 June 2021

A 16-year old gymnast from Rooty Hill, who has won Gold medals at international championships has been named Blacktown City’s Sportsperson of the Year in 2020.

Rooty Hill High student Koralee Catlett won 2 Gold Medals at the 27th FIG Trampoline Gymnastics World Age Group Competitions in Tokyo in 2019. Koralee won gold in the Double-mini-trampoline and the tumbling events. This competition is regarded as the World Age Championships of Trampoline gymnastics.

Koralee represented NSW at the Australian Gymnastics Championships on the Gold Coast this year, winning 2 Gold and a Silver medal. She is also the current Australian Junior champion in her sport.

Koralee was presented with her award by multiple Olympic Gold Medal winner and President of Swimming Australia, Kieren Perkins OAM at Blacktown City Council’s 38th Sports Awards Gala Presentation.

Popular local Police Inspector, Bob Fitzgerald was awarded the prestigious Mayor’s Shield.

This award recognises an individual who has excelled at their club, made an outstanding contribution to sport of a long period of time and is deemed to be an invaluable member of their club. 

Although Bob Fitzgerald has been involved in a number of sports and volunteer organisations, this award paid tribute to his service to Netball.

Bob has been a part of Blacktown City Netball Association and Pioneers Netball Club since 1979. He is the current Vice President of Blacktown Netball Association, and a coach, volunteer, President and life member of Pioneers Netball club.

As one club member said; “The Club would not be able to function without him. From coach to President to umpire, Bob does it all, his commitment is unsurpassed.”

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM, was represented at the presentation by the Chair of Council’s Sport and Recreation Advisory Committee, Councillor Brad Bunting.

Mayor Bleasdale said in a message to the presentation; “Blacktown City is truly the sporting capital of Western Sydney. To have been nominated for the 2020 Sports Awards is a fantastic achievement in itself.

“It is a recognition from your peers and you should all be very proud of your sporting accomplishments. I wish you all the best of luck in your future sporting endeavours.”

Blacktown City 2020 Sports Awards :

Sports person of the Year: Koralee Catlett Mayor’s Shield: Bob Fitzgerald

Sports Coach of the Year: Mark Wilkinson Mark's objective with The Tennis Practice is to create an inclusive environment where playing the game is fun. Mark currently holds a Level 3 Master Professional Tennis coach accreditation. Mark takes a great deal of pride in helping other coaches become the very best they can be.

Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Andrei Honrada Andrei is part of the Basketball Australia team and Asia Pacific Basketball team that won the Junior NBA Global championships. He was one of only 10 players only invited to join Sydney Kings Elite Junior Developmental Camp and in 2019 his team won U14 Australian club championships

Sports Volunteer of the Year: Roy Krishnendu Starting from 2011, Roy has been a hardworking coach, selfless volunteer, and an efficient and productive administrator in both soccer and cricket.

Sports Official of the Year: Robert Kowalczyk Robert is one of the youngest qualified referees in ice hockey NSW. He has taken it upon himself to officiate the youngest ice hockey group all the way up to the senior level. He has been praised for his continuous commitment to officiating and it’s been said that without him many junior games would not have gone ahead. He is a mentor to many younger referees.

Team of the Year: Cumberland Nepean softball 2019 U14 Girls representative Team The CNSA U14 Girls Rep Team has won back to back State Championships. During November 2019 the girls team remained undefeated duplicating their 2018 season. The U14 Girls Rep team always displayed the utmost respect for the game and for each other.

Club of the Year: The Tennis Practice

 The Tennis Practice welcomes anyone who is interested in playing tennis, regardless of their age, gender, background, or disabilities. Since starting in 2018 with zero students, they currently coach around 170 students each week from toddlers through to adults.

Encouragement award – Lucy Doole-Dunham – Touch football, Basketball, Netball, Softball Encouragement award – Pranshav Shah – Long distance running Encouragement award – Tamika Rex – Touch football Encouragement award – Yuvraj Sharma – Cricket

Pic: Councillor Brad Bunting, Koralee Catlett and Kieren Perkins.