Recognition for more athletes at awards

Excitement is building ahead of the SWAS annual awards dinner, which will be held in Bunbury tomorrow night.

Last week’s mandated five-day COVID-19 lockdown was less than ideal in terms of organising the event, however, SWAS chief executive Bernice Butlion is delighted the event is still able to proceed.

“We will be observing and complying with COVID protocols anyway, because the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre already has pandemic-based restrictions,” she said.

Butlion is excited about a new concept at tomorrow night’s extravaganza, which will highlight the efforts of more athletes than ever before.

“Offering runner-up awards is something new that we are introducing for 2021,” she said. “Obviously it is to acknowledge our athletes’ achievements over 2019-20 — however it is too good of an opportunity not to award a runner up and a winner for the categories.

“Because often we find it is so close and I just think we need to recognise our athletes’ achievements by recognising a runner-up and a winner. I think we are then covering a bigger scope for the academy.

“It also makes it quite competitive as well, as the awards are quite prestigious and everyone would like to win one of them.”

Printsync South West Slammers men’s coach Mark Worthington will be the event’s guest speaker and Butlion believes the former Olympian will provide an important message.

“He will tell us a bit about his journey and what it is like to make it as a top athlete — and that the journey is not easy,” she said.

“He will be imparting some knowledge and hopefully leave our athletes with a key message, especially around mental health.”