The North Coast Academy of Sport (NCAS) held its highly anticipated annual awards event on Saturday the 12th of October at C.ex Coffs Harbour. This event serves to recognise the outstanding achievements of athletes, coaches, and staff throughout the past year. The event brought together the Academy’s top sporting talent, coaches, support staff and community members for a day of celebration and reflection.
This year’s awards showcased the extraordinary dedication and skill of athletes and coaches across a variety of sports, highlighting not only their on-field successes but also their commitment to sportsmanship, leadership, and personal growth.
NCAS Executive Director, D’Arcy Van den Bossche, expressed pride in the day’s turnout and the achievements of all involved stating “NCAS athletes, coaches and managers can only be proud of their efforts this year. Today, we celebrate not only their success in competition but their growth as leaders and individuals.”
Some of the day’s key award recipients included:
- Darrel Chapman Memorial – NCAS Athlete of the Year: Ocea Curtis, recognised for her exceptional performance in Surfing, with multiple competition victories and representing Australia at the International Surfing Association world junior championships.
- Coach of the Year: Cass Notley, honoured for her impactful leadership and development of athletes, ensuring excellence both on and off the field.
- Leadership Award: Charlie Ford and Koen Loader, recognised for their exceptional leadership both on and off the field, serving as role models for their peers and demonstrating outstanding sportsmanship, integrity, and dedication to team success.
- Chairman’s Encouragement Award: Ella Ledingham, a young skateboarder demonstrating potential for future success in her sport.
NCAS was also treated by a visit from 2x Olympian Jo Bridgen-Jones who shared her story on growing as both an athlete and individual.
In a special moment of the day, NCAS honoured three individuals with Life Membership, recognising their long-standing contributions and unwavering commitment to the development of sport in the North Coast region.
NCAS Chairman, Dr Greg Downes praised the recipients, stating “The dedication of our life members has shaped the Academy into what it is today. Their years of service, guidance, and passion have left an indelible mark on NCAS, and it is our privilege to recognise their contributions today.”
Life Membership Inductees:
- Stewart Brawley – With nearly two decades of dedicated service as a Board Member, Stewie has played a key role in shaping the strategic direction of NCAS. His leadership and vision have been vital in fostering the Academy’s growth and success.
- Nikki Greenwood – Nikki’s dedication to both NCAS and the community as an NCAS Board Member for close to two decades has significantly enhanced the Academy’s impact, creating lasting opportunities for athletes, coaches and staff.
- Peter “Cuz” Kirkwood – For over ten years, Cuz has been a mentor and coach within the Surf Life Saving program, guiding not only athletes with his expertise and unwavering support, but coaches too. His commitment has been crucial in helping regional athletes reach new heights in their performance and personal development.
Full List of Award Winners
– Encouragement Awards – Ben Romer (Basketball), Ella Ledingham (Future Stars-Skateboarding), Milla Adamson (Golf), Oliver Neilson (Golf Development), Lacey Chadderton (Hockey), Evie Laverty (Hockey Futures), Keneisha Lockwood (Netball), Noah Cavendish (Skate), Maddison O’Leary (SLS), Candella Pottage (Volleyball).
– Chairmans Encouragement Award – Ella Ledingham (Future Stars – Skateboarding)
– Most Improved Awards – Sam Pagotto (Basketball), Trent Alley (Future Stars-Athletics), Zion Wagner (Golf Development), Noah Horvath (Hockey), Max Venables (Hockey Futures), Ava Nowlan (Netball), Jude Buchanan (Skate), Isabella Tate (SLS), Isaac Bibby (Volleyball).
– Most outstanding Awards – Jack Rumble (Basketball), Ocea Curtis (Future Stars-Surfing), Jack Davy (Golf & Golf Development), Fynn Slade (Hockey), Maia Adamson (Hockey Futures), Ava Whiley (Netball), Cobi Truscott (Netball Umpires), Georgia Winn (Skate), Phoenix Preston (SLS), Ewan Clowes (Volleyball).
– Niki Taylor Memorial award – Fallon Twindley (Netball)
– Leadership Award – Charlie Ford (Hockey), Koen Loader (Volleyball)
– Manager of the Year – Megan Landers (Basketball)
– 5-year service Awards – Cass Notley (Netball), Nikkia Humphries (Netball), Jason Bashforth (Basketball)
– Harold Kratz Memorial Coach of the Year – Cass Notley, Netball
– Indigenous Athlete of the Year – Ocea Curtis, (Future Stars, Surfing)
– Darrel Chapman memorial Athlete of the Year – Ocea Curtis (Future Stars, Surfing)
NCAS now turns its sights to next year with trials for the 2024-2025 programs already underway.
D’Arcy Van den Bossche said “We are proud to support the North Coast’s next generation of athletes, and our programs continue to grow stronger each year. We can’t wait to meet our next sporting and community champions.”
The event was a fitting close to a stellar year for NCAS, and the Academy looks forward to continued success and growth in the coming year.
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