Sporting good night to celebrate local talent I Australian Rural & Regional News

February 15, 2023 Abraham Smith

A meaningful celebration of the outstanding awards of our most talented athletes, sports clubs and local sports workers; The 2022 Clarence Valley Sports Awards drew a large crowd to the Grafton District Services Club (GDSC) on February 11.

With an exceptional caliber of nominees across 13 categories, whose tremendous accolades have been highlighted each month in recent issues of the Clarence Valley independentthe annual event, now in its ninth year, is an initiative of the Clarence Valley Sports Councils and showcases the immense strength and skill of the local sports community and the dedicated local people who continually support it.

Across the room, swimmers, cricketers, cyclists, footy players, BMX riders, surf lifesavers and hockey players exchanged nervous smiles and whispered “good luck” and “congratulations” to each other as their respective categories and the Winners were announced by moderator Desan Padayachee.

The nominees for the programme’s main award, Grafton Shoppingworld Senior Sportsperson of the Year, including popular South Grafton Rebels player Grant “Stumpy” Stevens, cyclist Lauralea Moss and rising track and field star Hanna Tait, swayed to the crowds all night over , with many expressing gratitude for being nominated along with other athletes who described them as some of the best to come out of North NSW.

When Clarence Valley BMX Club’s Leading Rider Tahlia Marsh was announced as the winner, the room erupted in cheers as the beloved teenager stepped forward to graciously accept her prize.

The proud Bundjalung woman, who also delivered the Welcome to Country earlier in the evening, was previously named Junior Athlete of the Year in 2018 and 2019 and came through the 2022 racing season with a near-perfect racing record.

Fighting back tears of joy and gratitude, Miss Marsh thanked her family and the Clarence Valley BMX Club for their continued support and admitted she was speechless after her win.

“When they called my name, I didn’t really believe it,” she said, adding that she was thrilled to receive just one nomination.

“I didn’t expect that at all.

“I work hard and it’s really great to be rewarded for all my efforts. It is a good feeling.”

Grafton Shoppingworld Junior Male Sportsperson of the Year Winner: Thomas Gallagher – Karting. Pictured William Gallagher and Michele Gallagher, winner of the Loving Life FM103.1 Masters Sports Award: Laurelea Moss (L) – Cycling. Pictured with Misty Fisher (R), Clarence Valley Independent Club of the Year Winner: Yamba Surf Life Saving Club. Pictured Life Member, Tim Baird. Photos: Fran Dowsett

Together with main sponsors of Clarence Valley independent and Grafton Shoppingworld, the 2022 Clarence Valley Sports Awards are proudly supported by Clarence Valley Council (CVC), Loving Life FM and Clarence Media.

For the full list of winners and nominees, see the article titled 2022 Clarence Valley Sports Awards.

See all the images in the issue.