The Hunter Academy of Sport (HAS) held its prestigious Viatek Annual Awards at McDonald Jones Stadium on Wednesday, October 22, recognizing outstanding achievements across a wide range of sports and disciplines. Athletes, coaches, and volunteers were celebrated for their hard work, dedication, and success throughout the year.
The pinnacle of the evening was the Athlete of the Year Awards. Harper Nelmes from the Mountain Bike GE program took home the title of Athlete of the Year for his outstanding performances. Molly Smith was named Para Athlete of the Year for her achievements in Goal Ball, and Addyson Kirby from the basketball program was awarded the UAA Indigenous/Torres Strait Islander Athlete of the Year.
In addition to these athletes, key contributors to the academy were honored. Zara Campbell (triathlon) received the Athlete Leadership award for her leadership on and off the course. Darren Bird (strength and conditioning and Aussie rules football) was awarded the Greater Bank Coach Leadership Award, recognizing his significant impact in coaching and mentoring young athletes.
Kirstie Fuller (netball) was named Paul Trisley Administrator of the Year, and Chris Halpin (softball) received the Greater Bank Volunteer Manager of the Year award for her dedicated service to the sport. HAS offered a special thank you to the coaches, volunteers, and families who continue to support and inspire these talented young athletes.
The Hunter Academy of Sport is proud to nurture and develop the region's next generation of sporting stars. HAS also thanked event sponsor Viatek and platinum partners Office of Sport, Your local club, Santos Hunter Gas Pipeline, UAA, Greater Bank, The University of Newcastle, Oddball Marketing, NBN Television, SCA, and Regional Academies of Sport.
