City Awards Talented Local Teen Athletes

The scholarships, sponsored by the City of Melville Health and Lifestyle Services, are awarded to local sportspeople under 19 years of age who have competed at State level or above or have shown remarkable potential and aspirations to compete at the highest level.

Each scholarship winner received more than $600 worth of prizes, including a sporting pack and a 12-month gym membership, entitling them to free entry to City of Melville recreation facilities for training purposes associated with their sport.

Mayor Russell Aubrey said the City of Melville Youth Sport Scholarship provided a fantastic opportunity for our local youth to further develop their skills and allowed them to participate at the highest level possible in their chosen sport. “This program helps support our young sports people to achieve their dreams and ambitions,” he said. “We are constantly amazed with the talent that is within the City of Melville.”

These young up-and-coming athletes were selected from 44 candidates from a variety of sports.

The 2007 Scholarship winners and associated sport and age are:

• Aaron Younger – Water Polo (15 years)
• Ashleigh Dewar – Touch Rugby (18 years)
• Brett Lewington – Volleyball (17 years)
• Brody Koelewyn – Karate/Cricket (15 years)
• Christian Halliley – Swimming (15 years)
• Emily Longo – Athletics (16 years)
• Isabella King – Triathlon (15 years)
• Jake Polce – Basketball (13 years)
• Jordan Hunt – Hockey (17 years)
• Mathew Tinson – Figure Skating (16 years)
• Michael Sullivan – Karate/Touch Football (17 years)
• Michelle Kite – Archery (17 years)
• Monique Hollick – Athletics (17 years)
• Nicholas Wrenn – Water Skiing (15 years)
• Nina Catovic – Tennis (13 years)
• Oliver Mills-Edwards – Hockey (16 years)
• Ryan Walpole – Swimming (16 years)
• Travis Luff – Volleyball (17 years)
• Trent Mitton – Hockey (16 years)
• Tristan Brown – Sailing (17 years)

Consecutive scholarship winner Monique Hollick, who is a runner, said the Youth Sport Scholarship Scheme had been particularly beneficial in helping her recover from her injury. “During my six-month recovery from a stress fracture in my foot, I used the gym and aquatic facilities almost every day to strengthen and rehabilitate my body,” she said. “I have no doubt that my athletic achievements from 2006 are directly attributed to my use of the gym and pool to maintain my fitness and strength while managing my injuries."