Sports team of the year nominees.
The Horizon Power sports star of the year awards shone the spotlight on the greatest in Esperance sports and the commendable efforts of local sports people.
Photo: Kristen Perks on Facebook
The winner of the sports star of the year was Terri Herbert who has had exemplary success in hockey. Testament to her merit, Herbert was unable to accept the award in person as she was in South Africa, her team having won gold in the 2024 masters World Cup just days before.
Stephen Butler was awarded the Veteran Sports Star of the Year Award for cricket. Butler said he started playing veterans cricket in 2019 and the teams opened a whole new door for people playing cricket over 40.
“It just shows you can keep playing sports into the future, you’ve just got to stay fit and stay keen,” he said.
Junior sports star of the year was awarded to Isabelle Cox for Equestrian. Cox competes in Tetrathlon and Eventing around Australia and internationally and was not in Esperance to accept her award. Her Father graciously accepted the award on her behalf, giving credit to pony club for its ability to facilitate sporting greatness.
The sports team of the year was awarded to the Soccer Associations Country Week under 11s team. During the 2024 soccer country week earlier this year, the team played a total of nine games, all of which they emerged victorious with the exception of one draw. They were declared 2024 champions of the country week Circati division, and their success was further celebrated on the awards night.
Service to sport awards winners were Steven Baker for surf lifesaving, Natasha McCarthy for hockey, Olie Jones for soccer, Fiona Ryan for hockey, Amy Walter for netball, Natasha Woodhouse for hockey and Anthony Wynne for basketball.
The night was topped off by special guest Steven Bradbury who spoke about his experience at the top of his game and his hope to inspire sports people in the room.
