Coles Athletics Community Hero Awards

Athletics Australia is delighted to announce the winners of the Coles Athletics Community Hero Awards as part of 2021 National Volunteers Week.

The Coles Community Hero Awards provides a platform to celebrate those in the athletics community who often work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure athletics in Australia is the success that it is.

This year, more than 150 coaches, athletes and volunteers were nominated for their state awards, and after a public vote, which saw more than 4000 people vote, eight individuals have been crowned as heroes in their state.

The winner from each state has received a $500 gift voucher along with a hamper courtesy of Coles, while Peter Burke, the National winner already announced, accepted a $1000 gift voucher at the Athletics Australia Awards night.  

Australia would like to congratulate the winners of the Coles Athletics Community Hero Awards around the country, and thank them for their contribution to the sport.

Coles Athletics Community Heroes

Overall winner and winner from Victoria:

Peter Burke recently took out the National Coles Athletics Community Hero Award, also making him your Victorian Coles Athletics Community Hero. Coaching more than 1000 athletes for more than sixty years, Burke has shown tireless commitment to the development of athletes and athletics. At the age of 80, Burke gives him his free time to coach at Western Athletics, one of the state’s most successful clubs. Burkie, as he is affectionately known is more than a coach to his athletes and is known as a kind and generous man that is willing to assist others. He has coached athletes at all levels of the sport, including state champions, Australian and Pacific champions all the way through to the Olympics. Additionally, he has been instrumental to changing the shape of athletics in Victoria. He lobbied for the merger of Victoria’s men’s and women’s governing bodies and guided the merger of Weeibee, Footscray and Sunshine into Western Athletics.

New South Wales:

Commonwealth Games silver medallist in hammer throw, Alex Hulley is the Coles Athletics Community Hero for NSW. Despite being one of the most talented athletes in the country and having a busy schedule, Alex generously takes the time to mentor younger athletes at her local Little Athletcis Club and give back to athletics immensely. The award serves as recognition for Alex’s significant contributions to athletics, which she will continue to make in the form of inspiring and coaching junior athletes on her journey to the Tokyo Olympics. Alex has played a huge role in cultivating excellence within the sport, making her a deserving winner of the award.

Canberra:

Starting his journey as an athlete, Ruud Van Scheppingen is the epitome of an all-rounder having turned to coaching and official ranks to form over 25 years of experience. Ruud has contributed across a range of fields including being a Head Coach at the Australian Little Athletics Championships, running holiday skills clinics and development programs, along with mentoring new coaches. Ruud was a field referee at the Little Athletics Championships and the head long jump referee at the Canberra Track Classic, demonstrating his willingness to be involved at all levels of the sport. A level 4 accredited coach and life member of Corroboree Little Athletics, Ruud is a deserving winner as ACT’s Coles Athletics Community Hero.  

Queensland:

The youngest Coles Athletics Community Hero for 2021 is frame runner, Kai Crothers.  Born with Cerebral Palsy, Kai had limited opportunities to be involved in sport until he discovered frame running. Kati entered his first race at the start of this year with the goal of not coming last, but a win ignited his passion for the sport. Since then, Kai has done every race made available to him – including appearances at the Queensland State Championships and Australian Track and Field Championships where he finished in second place. Kai’s passion for the sport has quickly evolved in someone his entire community looks up to over the course of the season.

Western Australia:

Basil Worner has generously volunteered his time to senior and junior athletics clubs over a number of decades, working as an accomplished coach who teaches running technique whilst instilling in his athletes qualities including teamwork, sportsmanship and integrity. Basil continues to play a pivotal role in organising and coordinating events, and is prepared to do any task from setting up meets to recording results, or writing weekly ‘round-ups’ for athletes. His ongoing dedication to support athletes and the athletics community is truly inspirational and makes him a worthy recipient of this award.

Northern Territory:

Nicole Simmonds is known as the heart and soul of the Katherine Athletics Club where she has been president, head coach and chief line marker for a number of years. The contributions to athletics and the community don’t stop there, with Nicole also wearing the hat of track and field coach for School Sport Northern Territory. Nicole’s efforts are paramount to the participation and success of our junior athletes and her generosity is a key factor in their development. We thank Nicole for her work in the community and this award serves as recognition of her outstanding commitment to athletics in the Northern Territory.

South Australia:

Paul Suttcliffe has a passion for running and dedicates much of his time to passing on his wisdom to all, ranging from the novice to the elite and the old. Those that train under Paul say he is committed to making them fitter, but most importantly his main focus is to ensure they are still enjoying their running in 20 years’ time. Paul’s caring and welcoming nature has played a significant role in the athletics community in South Australia, making him a deserving winner of this award.

Posted: 23/5/2021