TOBIN FAMILY MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE

Sally Fitzgibbons was awarded the fifth annual Tobin Family Award for Illawarra Academy of Sport athlete of the year. Sallys father Martin accepted the award on his daughters behalf from Mr Ted Tobin.

SALLY Fitzgibbons has gone another step closer to making her dreams come true, after winning the prestigious Tobin Family Award at the Illawarra Academy of Sport presentation night last Saturday.

Held at the University of Wollongong, all academy sports were represented by 2006 scholarship holders as coaches, volunteers, administrators and local identities united for the academy night of nights.

Unable to attend due to surfing commitments on the Gold Coast, Sallys proud father Martin accepted the award on her behalf.

I wish Sally could be here to accept this award, he said.

I know she would be very proud and at the moment I know that from a parents perspective it isnt easy for young athletes to chase dreams.

It takes support and encouragement from families and others and the support from the Illawarra Academy of Sport is vital.

The last year for sally has been a little on the crazy side and Sal is the first to realise that it is only possible with the support of very good people.

Sally would like me to thank the Tobin family, Brian Weir, Pasco and the academy. Her coaches Todd Prestage (Surfing) and Ian Hatfield (Athletics) and finally her training partner Ryan Gregson. Who up until now has given Sally someone to chase but now he is just too fast.

Awards like this make dreams come true, added Mr Fitzgibbons.

The $5,000 scholarship courtesy of City Coast Credit Union is recognised as one of the most significant junior sports development awards in Australia.

An impressive 2006 saw her compete for her country in three sports Surfing, athletics and football now in 2007, Martin added Sally hopes to continue to impress on the international stage by aiming to compete at the World Surfing Titles in Portugal in May and at the World Youth Athletics Championships in Czechoslovakia mid-year.

" Scott Law pictured shortly after being named the 2006 Illawarra Academy of Sport Cyclist of the Year.

Other winners included Gerringong cyclist Scott Law (Cyclist of the Year) who is now regarded as one of the most promising young cyclists in Australia Robert Hurley (Swimmer of the Year), Alisha Kawalla (Sailing), Zoe Richards (Cricket), Ryan Gregson (Individual Athlete of the Year), Tristan White (Hockey), Michael Dengate (Rugby League), Emma Johnson (Netball) and Elle Sandak (Golf).