A SUCCESSFUL 21st summer of swimming for the Myall Masters concluded with their annual Presentation Night, held at Tillermans restaurant on Monday 20 April.
Forty-eight members and guests gathered to celebrate several big awards.
The night commenced with Club President Adrian Reynolds welcoming all and acknowledging the outgoing committee on their hard work and dedication.
He also introduced the incoming committee, which includes four new members.
Head Coach Sharon Taylor presented Leon Bobako with the Swimmer Achievement Award.
“This year we are celebrating an outstanding competitive achiever of significant or competitive feats,” she said.
“Leon’s drive and commitment is next-level and truly inspirational to us all.
“At the beginning of the season he won an amazing nine gold medals at the 20th Australian Masters Games, and also managed to gather maximum points at our own carnival.
“Leon is consistently generous in sharing his learning and experience, in encouraging and leading the whole club along with him on the swimming journey.”
The Swimmer of the Year Award was presented by coach and outgoing committee member Chris Dunning to David Olsen.
“This award is achieved by a swimmer who participated regularly and enthusiastically in training sessions, demonstrates a positive attitude and commitment within the club and has shown major improvement in their swimming technique, fitness and racing skills,” Chris said.
“All coaches were unanimous that Dave fulfilled all these requirements admirably, he is considerate and encouraging to fellow swimmers, always greets you with a smile and is always appreciative of advice given by coaches in regards to improving skills and technique.
“He was rewarded by faster times from the previous year in freestyle and breaststroke at the Myall Masters Carnival.
“Dave’s major achievement was perfecting his racing starts off the blocks and his flying starts were executed with confidence in all his races at our Carnival.”
Vice President Linda Stubbs announced Steve Rees as “Club Member of the Year”.
To gain this prestigious award, the awardee must have participated in the club for at least five years, contributed valuable service, inspired and encouraged participation by members and demonstrated behaviour and values of leadership in the club, including contributing to coaching, social events, support activities, officials and administration.
“It is not easy to achieve all of these criteria but all of this has been done with grace by Steve who has quietly worked hard in the background,” Linda said.
“Steve has always encouraged members to try harder and do better, as a very calm and thoughtful sounding board whose responses to arising challenges are always measured and fair.”
Special mention was made by Club President Adrian Reynolds of member Christine Sefton, who recently returned from the NSW State Long Course Championships with four gold medals, including two personal bests.
The presentations were followed by a Tillermans specialty dessert accompanied with fine wines and friendly conversation and company, with the Masters thanking restaurant owners Kerry and Peter Hodges for their efforts.
Life Member Kerry Patterson, in her role as Social Secretary and MC for the evening, did an outstanding job keeping the proceedings light hearted and running smoothly with her welcoming presence and easy manner.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
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