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Sport
The 27th Annual CDF Diocesan Sports Awards, held on Friday, 15 November at St Mary Star of the Sea College in Wollongong, was a night of celebration, inspiration, and sporting excellence.
Over 450 guests gathered to recognise the achievements of student-athletes who represented the Diocese of Wollongong at the highest levels of competition. The event marked a fitting conclusion to a busy sporting year and showcased the exceptional sporting pathways available to students and teachers within the Diocese.
More than 200 dedicated student-athletes, who competed in MacKillop and NSW Combined Catholic College events, were honoured for their outstanding achievements. In addition, eleven secondary school teams and one primary school team were acknowledged for winning state Catholic school titles.
Proudly sponsored by the Catholic Development Fund (CDF), the evening was live-streamed, attracting hundreds of online viewers. This allowed families who could not attend in person to participate in the celebrations.
The theme for this year’s awards was ‘Olympic Dreaming.’ In his welcome address, Peter Hill, Director of Schools for CEDoW, reflected on the pride inspired by the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris. He highlighted the achievements of our alumni—Kieran Woolley (Corpus Christi Catholic High School, Oak Flats), Blake Govers (St Joseph's Catholic High School, Albion Park), Tyler Wright (St John the Evangelist Catholic High School, Nowra), Ellen Perez (Corpus Christi Catholic High School, Oak Flats), and Natalie Van Coevorden (John Therry Catholic College, Rosemeadow)—who excelled on the world stage. "These athletes," he said, "nurtured in our schools, embodied determination and excellence while representing our nation."
Mr Hill also acknowledged all athletes, regardless of age, ability, or competition level. “To our award recipients,” he encouraged, “I urge you to embrace the challenges ahead, persevere in your pursuits, and take pride in your efforts. Know that you are part of something truly special. One day, we may be cheering you on at the Olympic Games, just as we did this year with so many of our Catholic school alumni."
The evening featured a Q&A panel with three phenomenally talented athletes from our diocesan schools: Jasmine Locke, Jessica Cole, and Delta Amidzovski. Jessica and Delta, who have just completed their HSC, shared their inspiring message of working hard in training while nurturing the mind, body, and soul. Their dedication and resilience made them outstanding role models for the young audience.
Mr Hill expressed gratitude to the Catholic Development Fund for their sponsorship of the event over the past 27 years and specifically thanked Mr Trevor Kellam, General Manager of CDF, for his continued support of the Diocesan Sports Awards.
Back Row – Kath Preece (Professional Officer, Sport), Peter Hill (Director of Schools, Diocese of Wollongong), Trevor Kellam (General Manager, Catholic Development Fund), Bridget Davis, Tim Gilmour (Deputy Director of Schools, Diocese of Wollongong), Brian Mascord (Most Rev Bishop of Wollongong), John Sparks (Professional Officer, Sport)
Front Row – Jessica Cole (St Mary’s Star of the Sea College, Wollongong), Jessica McLeod (St Therese Catholic Primary School, West Wollongong), Morrison Cocksedge (Nazareth Catholic Primary School, Shellharbour City), Eddie Clare (Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, Helensburgh), Talika Irvine (St John the Evangelist Catholic High School, Nowra), Sullivan O’Dwyer (John Therry Catholic College, Rosemeadow), Jasmine Locke, Delta Amidzovski
KEY AWARD WINNERS
The Father Ward Trophy Most Outstanding Girl Primary Sport
Jessica McLeod (St Therese Catholic Primary School, West Wollongong)
The John Gamble Trophy Most Outstanding Boy Primary Sport
Morrison Cocksedge (Nazareth Catholic Primary School, Shellharbour City)
2022 Para Athlete of the Year
Eddie Clare (Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, Helensburgh)
The Terry White Trophy Most Outstanding Secondary Sportswoman
Talika Irvine (St John the Evangelist Catholic High School, Nowra)
The Bishop Mascord Trophy Most Outstanding Secondary Sportsman
Sullivan O’Dwyer (John Therry Catholic College, Rosemeadow)
