Q1 AWARD WINNERS

First Nations Alexandra Headlands Surf Lifesaver, Nicholas Carter, has been selected for the U13/14 State team, Qld Cyclones development squad and youth Aussies swim team. A combination of passion and dedication has led Nicholas to podium finishes at State Endurance (1^st 1km board), Sunshine Coast Branch (1^st swim, board, iron & interbranch teams), and Iron Youth Aussie Championships. A well-liked and respected club member/competitor, Nicholas maintains a positive attitude throughout vigorous training/competition regimes. Nicholas’s sportsmanship shines through as he is humble with success, gracious in defeat, and supportive of peers. With integrity, a strong work ethic and loveable nature, Nicholas is an impeccable role model for the younger generation.

Landon is a 15-year-old first nations surfer who placed 1^st in the under 18 Longboard & Logger QLD state titles, earning him a position in the Australian Trans-Tasman team. As a member of both Northshore Board Riders Club and Alexandra Headland Malibu Club, Landon competes in monthly events and is involved in club member contributions to judging and setting up/packing up. Landon has demonstrated impeccable commitment and leadership as an athlete through his volunteer work as an Indigenous Youth Leader, where he is grateful for various opportunities to give back to the sport, his heritage, and the local community.

Despite limitations on racing competitions because of the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, Anya has demonstrated commitment to her cycling training regime which has shown in her Q1 2022 results. The ARA Pro Racing Sunshine Coast cyclist recently won the National Australian Title as the Time Trial and Criterium champion. After this string of success, Anya has been invited to attend specialty rides in Europe this May. Anya was the team captain of the 2022 Summer of Cycling race block and assisted with ACA Wheely Fun Camps. A regular volunteer speaker at schools and other groups, Anya enjoys sharing her story and is grateful for any opportunity to be a role model for the younger cycling generation.

Nathan has been a member of the USC Spartans swim team for three years with a successful history as a National Level Swimmer and a surf lifesaver/beach sprinter. As of 2022, the first nations, vision impaired T12 categorised athlete is transitioning from swimming to becoming a track sprinter. With considerable ability but little experience, Nathan is working hard to qualify for the Commonwealth Games in the 100m division. Nathan has qualified for two Australian Athletics finals in the 100m and the 200m and has been invited to the Brisbane Track Classic Invitational Elite Race. Nathan is a dedicated member of Alexandra Headland SLSC where he is respected amongst his peers and always shows support and encouragement towards other athletes.

David is a hard-working Oztag player for the Caloundra Jetts senior mixed division, who earnt Male ‘Most Valuable Player’ at the Queensland State Cup, where his team won silver. At the same event David passionately and supportively coached the ladies’ team to an incredible run to achieve second place. A generous participant of the sport, Dave is always dedicating his time to weekly refereeing and coaching both junior and senior teams. David never fails to enthusiastically put his hand up for any work required by his club, constantly eager to help the sport continuously grow and thrive.

Vincent is an athletics and surf lifesaving coach who specialises in the mentoring of beach sprinting competitors. In 2022, Vinnie started coaching his son Nathan, a vision impaired T12 categorised athlete, as he transitions from being a national level swimmer to a track athletics sprinter. Under Vinnie’s guidance, Nathan has achieved finals results at Australian Athletics championship level in the 100m and 200m, with goals to reach Commonwealth Games selection. As a long-time member of Alex Headland Surf Lifesaving Club, Vinnie continues to dedicate his time as an active patrol member, senior sprints coach and beach captain, all the while exploring new ground training Nathan to the elite level as a Para sprint athlete.

A former Australian representative at the Triathlon World Championships (Spain), Kim Edwards is now an official with Triathlon Australia, inspiring triathletes with her infectious passion and positive attitude. An enthusiastic leader of the Sunshine Coast Tri Club, Kim serves as a Technical Official for major events on the coast and personally competes in the 60+ age group. With outstanding decision-making skills and commitment to athlete/spectator safety, Kim also officiates at Cairns and other regional QLD triathlon events and is well known for her leadership in developing grassroots training programs. Kim was also the pioneer female member of the Saudi Arabian Triathlon Club and mentored the first female triathlete to participate in a Saudi Arabian triathlon.

Pete is passionate and dedicated to increasing his own knowledge as a coach, so that his ‘Race Pace Coaching’ clinic can successfully guide ‘track and tri’ athletes on their competitive journeys. Through targeted training sessions, several of Pete’s athletes have seen great success in Q1 2022. Pete prioritises understanding the balance between training and school/work/life to maximise the efficiency of training sessions, help athletes maintain health/wellbeing and create an environment of mutual athlete-coach respect. Furthermore, Pete assists with Triathlon Australia’s pathways for athlete and coach development through guest speaking, attending high performance camps and co-facilitating swim sessions. Not only is Pete continuously training to improve his own coaching, but he has also mentored his daughter to become a successful coach.

Stephen is a referee at Wheelchair Basketball (WCBB) games and tournaments, and promotes ‘reverse inclusion’ by taking wheelchairs into schools, allowing able bodied students to participate in wheelchair activities. What started out as a program for wheelchair specific schools, has now expanded to include to all schools. Stephen is a referee for Wheelchair Rugby and has also become an accredited technical official with Triathlon Australia. As a referee and technical official across three sports, Steve is known for his passionate encouragement of participation. This year Steve was recognised as doing an exceptional job officiating at an Oceania Triathlon event which was also a selection race for the Commonwealth Games.

2022 president of USC Athletics Club, Peter Haig, has increased opportunities for Sunshine Coast track and field athletes by designing the 2022 Sunshine Coast Cross Country series, as well as hosting an annual elite track race and weeknight mini meet competitions. Peter's influence has increased USC AC club membership by 100 this quarter and promoted excellent results at the Australian Athletics championships. Pete’s hard work and enthusiasm towards coach/official development has promoted club funding availability to support related training courses. By creating a USC AC club culture valuing continual improvement, and through collaborating with the Maroochy AC, Peter has influenced officials/coaches to be remarkably committed to the club and the Sunshine Coast Cross County series.

Isabella is an Alexandra Headlands U17 Surf Life Saver who’s volunteer work has positively impacted the club’s efficiency and output. Isabella has influenced the club community culture, membership growth and economic/social gains. During the first three months of 2022, Isabella has served as Nippers Age Manager and is also a member of the Youth Lifesaving Committee, and the Branch Youth Ball Committee. The longevity, consistency, and positive nature of Isabella’s service is a demonstration of her exceptional commitment to the volunteer community. Furthermore, Isabella is enthusiastically involved in the clubs culture building movements with a mission to create a voice for the youth.