MYALL Masters Swimming Club concluded another successful summer with the Annual Awards Presentation and Dinner at Tillerman’s Restaurant on Monday 7 April.
Thirty-seven members and guests congregated to honour the awardees and to celebrate the end of the 20th season of Myall Masters, and the 50th anniversary of Masters Swimming Australia.
Life Member Kerry Patterson, the emcee for the evening, commenced by honouring and acknowledging the personal achievements of outgoing President and Life Member Leon Bobako over the past 20 years.
“Leon, along with wife Rhonda, were inaugural members of the Myall Masters Club, and we want to show our appreciation for their long and dedicated service to Myall Masters over the last 20 years,” said Kerry, presenting both with flowers and a special memento photograph.
Vice President Linda Stubbs presented the “Club Member of The Year” award to Leon, an extremely worthy recipient of this prestigious award.
“Besides Leon’s long-standing achievements for the club for the past 20 years, this year alone he has contributed to coaching, social events, administration and participation, and demonstrated behaviours and values of leadership in the club,” Linda commented.
“Along with past achievements, in November 2024 Leon also represented the club in the Pan Pacific Games at the Gold Coast, winning three Gold Medals in 50m Breaststroke (QLD record), 100m Breaststroke, 200m Breaststroke (new Pan Pacific record), Silver Medal in 50m Butterfly, and a Bronze in the 50m Freestyle along with a bronze in the indoor rowing.”
Leon then presented Head Coach Sharon Taylor with a Certificate of Nomination by the local club to Masters NSW, nominating her for Coach of the Year (NSW), meaning she is eligible for selection at the upcoming Masters Swimming Australia Excellence Awards.
The Swimmer Achievement Award was presented to long-time member and past president Christine Sefton by Committee Member and club coach Steve Rees.
“Christine has had an amazing year competing in five major swim meets, including the Nationals and Pan Pacific,” Steve said.
“So far this year her results include 12 firsts (10 in breaststroke), five seconds and one third.
“Christine has shown an enormous level of commitment and individual discipline and is genuinely a lovely human being.”
David Kelly was awarded the Swimmer Improvement Award which focuses on improvement in swimming technique, fitness and racing skills, by committee member Chris Dunning.
“Dave ticks all the boxes admirably for this award,” Chris said.
“He has over an 85 percent attendance at all possible training sessions.
“His improvements in swimming this year were well demonstrated by strong and confident performances when he participated at the Myall Masters carnival in the 25, 50 and 100m freestyle events, relay team and for the first time in the 25m breaststroke.”
Head Coach Sharon Taylor presented a special ‘Coaches Special Acknowledgement Award’ to Luke Rochester, the Myall Masters’ youngest member.
“Luke ‘retired’ from swimming at nine years old,” she said.
“Some years later, in 2021, he joined our club.
“Though he was not excited about regular training, last year he started to commit, and, this year, leapt out of his comfort zone, trained extra-hard at Newcastle University, and has become more motivated, shaving two seconds from his 100m freestyle,” Sharon said.
At the Myall Masters Carnival in February, Luke dominated the pool, being the fastest swimmer at the meet.
The presentations were followed by a much-appreciated Tillerman’s specialty dessert accompanied with fine wines and friendly conversation and company.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
