An inspiring group of Ipswich’s top sporting officials and competitors, including local heroes and international stars, has been recognised at the 2023 Ipswich Sports Awards.
Ipswich City Council Community, Culture, Arts and Sport Committee Chairperson Councillor Andrew Fechner said it was a stellar line-up of sports stars with equestrian two times gold medal Olympian, Isabella Parisi, taking home the coveted Senior Sportsperson of the Year award.
“I am astounded by the high quality of sporting heroes Ipswich produces and want to congratulate Isabella for winning Ipswich Senior Sportsperson of the Year and also congratulate her for her recent success at the Special Olympics in Berlin,” Cr Fechner said.
“This year, we are also recognising two Commonwealth Games champions: Sergeant Steven Graham (Masters Sportsperson of the Year) for his achievements in weightlifting and Ella Ramsay (Junior Sportsperson of the Year) for her contributions to swimming.
“Ipswich is certainly punching above its weight when it comes to producing international sports stars.
“It was fantastic to meet all our local finalists and winners who are all making a significant difference in sport and are inspiring future generations locally.
“These annual awards are our opportunity to formally recognise the remarkable achievements of those people in our community who are making a valuable contribution to sports in our region and beyond.”
2023 winners of the eight Ipswich Sports Award categories are:
- Coach of the Year: Nicholas Such (Wheelchair Basketball)
- Volunteer of the Year: Pauline Alchin (Hockey)
- Team of the Year: U14 Boys Ipswich Force Basketball Team
- Official of the Year: Steve Rogers (Hockey)
- Sporting Organisation of the Year: Ipswich Grammar Swimming Club
- Masters Sportsperson of the Year: Steven Graham (Weightlifting)
- Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Ella Ramsay (Swimming)
- Senior Sportsperson of the Year: Isabella Parisi (Equestrian)
Senior Sportsperson of the Year Isabella Parisi with Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding. Photo by Nick O’Sullivan.
The Ipswich community nominated from 24 different sports – all available in Ipswich.
They are: swimming, athletics, triathlon, cycling, wheelchair basketball, hockey, softball, AFL, netball, cricket, football, basketball, karting, rugby, squash, para-archery, ultra-marathon, weightlifting, indoor cricket, ice skating, volleyball, BMX racing, equestrian and tenpin bowling.
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