Young athletes saw how far the representative sport pathways offered by Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) and an unwavering attitude could take them when former students and Olympians, Kieran Woolley and Blake Glovers spoke at the 24th Annual CDF Diocesan Sports Awards, held virtually last Friday 12 November. 

The presentation premiered to a large audience who watched on from the comfort of their own homes. It was a fitting end to a busy sporting year and a positive advertisement for the opportunities available for CEDoW students and teachers. 

This year’s awards highlighted the achievements of over 190 talented students who have proudly represented the Diocese of Wollongong at MacKillop and NSW Combined Catholic College events. Two primary teams and seven secondary teams were also acknowledged for winning state Catholic school titles.

This year’s virtual event, proudly sponsored by the Catholic Development Fund (CDF), attracted over 550 viewings and provided the opportunity for parents and carers to share the event with their broader families. 

Director of Schools, Peter Hill noted in his welcome the significance of the Diocesan Sports Awards and acknowledged the many people who give of their time, expertise, and practical support to the young people who compete as individuals and as team members.

Mr Hill commended the teachers, parents, support staff, and all others who contribute as coaches, trainers, officials, and administrators. 

“Your participation is a demonstration of the true purpose that sport fulfills in the education and development of our students in a Catholic community by highlighting the vital role that sport plays in the wellbeing of individuals, the life of communities, and the inclusion and unity of all in Australian society,” he said.

Sport provides a perfect environment to develop and nurture important values such as application, perseverance, motivation, and commitment. These traits are crucial to building character and integrity – Peter Hill

Mr Hill warmly congratulated each student receiving an award, “I encourage you to continue to apply yourselves to your sporting goals and aspirations, remaining dedicated, committed, and seeking a sense of personal reward and pride in who you are and what you are able to accomplish.”  

Further, Mr Hill thanked the CDF for sponsoring the evening, as they have done for the past 23 years. He particularly made mention of CDF's General Manager, Tony Sanderson for his ongoing support.

The evening featured recorded interviews with Kieran Woolley (Corpus Christi Catholic High School, Oak Flats – skateboarding) and Blake Govers (St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Albion Park – hockey) who recalled some of their Tokyo experiences–the exhilaration and challenge of their Olympic competition–while also providing advice for current student athletes. 

Kieran, who finished in 5th place in Tokyo stressed the need for athletes to find the sport they love, to stay fit and active, eat healthily, and set goals. 

Olympic silver medallist Blake encouraged students to enjoy their sport but to remember to not neglect their studies, and to always have a plan when sporting commitments may come to an end. Blake also mentioned the need to maintain a good balance with other things in life.  

OUTSTANDING SCHOOL TEAMS 

These awards are presented to school-based teams who have won a NSW Catholic School Sporting event at MacKillop, NSWCCC, or NSW All Schools level. 

St Joseph’s, Bulli 
Swimming – 2021 MacKillop Junior Girls 4x50m Freestyle Relay Champions
Andie Kennedy, Minerva Barlow, Sadie Jones, London Campbell

Good Samaritan, Fairy Meadow 
Swimming – 2021 MacKillop Senior Girls 4x50m Freestyle Relay Champions
Matisse Schettino, Samantha Ecroyd, Ava Harwood, Gemma Humphery

Edmund Rice College, West Wollongong
Swimming – 2021 NSWCCC Open Boys 4x 50m Medley Relay Champions
Blake McKay, Alistair Gorgijovski, Omar Matar, Ben Giason

St Mary Star of the Sea College, Wollongong
Swimming – 2021 NSWCCC Junior Girls 4x50m Freestyle Relay Champions
Stephanie Staniforth, Ivy Miller, Charli Cleghorn, Jessica Cole 

St Mary Star of the Sea College, Wollongong
Swimming – 2021 NSWCCC Junior Girls 4x50m Medley Relay Champions
Ivy Miller, Alexia Foye, Jessica Cole, Stephanie Staniforth

St Mary Star of the Sea College, Wollongong
Swimming – 2021 NSWCCC Open Girls 4x50m Freestyle Relay Champions
Holly Holmesby, Jasmine Barnes, Claudia McGoldrick, Sarah Locke 

Holy Spirit College, Bellambi
Tennis – 2021 NSWCCC Open Girls Champions
Bianca Culshaw, Neika Nikolov, Charlotte McDonnell, Ciarn Luccitti

St Mary Star of the Sea College, Wollongong
Basketball – 2021 NSWCCC Open Girls Champions
Georgia Chrystal-Foy, Imogen Thompson, Ruby Brannon, Lily Wroblewski, Mia Evans, Eva Loncar, Allana Curtis, Azalyah Young, Audra Pasakarnis and Emerson McCrea 

Holy Spirit College, Bellambi
Basketball – 2021 NSWCCC Open Boys Champions
Harrison Iliffe, Lavhy Franchi, Alexei Piljevic, Massimo Hobbs, Joshua Dent, Cooper Treglown, Ciaran Flynn, Noah Beveridge, Thomas Cusack and Hugo Trasler

THE VINCE VILLA TROPHY

The Vince Villa Trophy is awarded to the champion secondary school across all sports, with St Mary Star of the Sea College, Wollongong winning the girls trophy, Edmund Rice College, West Wollongong winning the boys trophy, and Holy Spirit College, Bellambi winning the overall champion secondary school across all sports. 

MAJOR AWARD WINNERS

The Father Ward Trophy Most Outstanding Girl Primary Sport 
Gemma Humphery (Good Samaritan, Fairy Meadow)

The John Gamble Trophy Most Outstanding Boy Primary Sport
Denham Tsagalas (St Gregory’s, Campbelltown)

2021 Para Athlete of the Year
Hanah Price (St Patrick’s College, Campbelltown)

The Terry White Trophy Most Outstanding Secondary Sportswoman 
Bella Grant (St Francis Catholic College, Edmondson Park) 

The Bishop Mascord Trophy Most Outstanding Secondary Sportsman 
Toby Rodwell (Edmund Rice College, West Wollongong)