Outstanding student athletes from primary and secondary schools, who proudly represented the Diocese of Wollongong at MacKillop and NSW Combined Catholic College events throughout 2023, were celebrated at the 26th annual Catholic Development Fund (CDF) Sports Awards. The event was hosted by the Wollongong Diocesan Sports Council on Friday, 10 November.

The event, proudly sponsored by the CDF, attracted over 500 guests to St Mary Star of the Sea College in Wollongong. It also saw over 500 views during and after the night through the live stream. The awards ceremony served as a positive advertisement for the pathways and structures available to primary and secondary students and teachers in the diocese. 

Awards were presented to over 250 students, 13 school teams, and two teachers. Among them were three primary teams and eight secondary teams that all secured state Catholic school titles.

 PHOTOS OF ALL AWARD WINNERS BY CATEGORY

Professional footballer, Brendon Santalab, was the guest speaker for the evening and shared insights into his illustrious career.

Mr Santalab discussed the value of education, staying in school, and working hard when faced with challenges. He also highlighted the importance of good mental health and touched on the impact of bullying. His inspiring and authentic speech left guests with valuable insights about sports, life, and the significance of mutual respect.

In sharing lessons learnt during his career, Mr Santalab emphasised the significance of respect and leadership to the young athletes in the room. "Wherever you go, show respect to everyone around you,” he said. “It creates a positive impression of who you are. You don't need a captain's armband to lead. Without hard work, you might as well stop right there."

In his address, our Director of Schools, Peter Hill, highlighted the significance of the Diocesan Sports Awards and commended the many individuals who generously give their time, expertise, and practical support to the young competitors. 

“As Pope Francis so beautifully says: 'Sport is a powerful instrument for the integral growth of the human person. Engaging in sports rouses us to go beyond ourselves and our own self-interests in a healthy way; it trains the spirit in sacrifice and, if organised well, it fosters loyalty in interpersonal relations, friendship, and respect for rules.’" 

Mr Hill warmly congratulated each recipient, saying, "I encourage you to continue applying 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 can accomplish."

The most outstanding awards for 2023 were presented to the following recipients.

The Father Ward Trophy
Most Outstanding Girl Primary Sport
London Campbell (St Joseph’s, Bulli)

The John Gamble Trophy
Most Outstanding Boy Primary Sport
Cooper Green (St Michael’s, Nowra)

Primary Multi-class Athlete of the Year
Eddie Clare (Holy Cross, Helensburgh) 

Secondary Multi-class Athlete of the Year
Jack Conroy (Mater Dei, Camden) 

The Terry White Trophy
Most Outstanding Secondary Sportswoman
Grace Tracey (St Mary Star of the Sea, Wollongong) 

The Bishop Mascord Trophy
Most Outstanding Secondary Sportsman
Mitchell Blackbourn (Edmund Rice, West Wollongong)

The Vince Villa Trophy was awarded to the champion secondary schools across all sports in 2023. St Mary Star of the Sea College, Wollongong, claimed the girls' trophy; Edmund Rice College, West Wollongong, secured the boys' trophy, and Holy Spirit College, Bellambi, emerged as the overall champion school across all sports played throughout the year.

We congratulate all award recipients and express our gratitude to the CDF for sponsoring the event for the past 26 years. We extend special appreciation to Tony Sanderson for his 24 years of dedicated service as General Manager and acknowledge his lasting impact on Catholic education.