Two exceptional athletes from the Whitsunday Region have been recognised at the 2016 North Queensland Sportstar Awards held in Townsville on Saturday night.
Local weightlifter Leanne Knox was successful in winning the Senior Category while Paralympic Cyclist David Nicholas won the runner-up award for Athlete with a Disability.
Mayor Andrew Willcox said that these awards give testament to the quality of athletes and profile of sport in the Whitsunday Region.
“Congratulations to Leanne for her outstanding achievements in weightlifting; I’ve seen her competitive record and she is more than deserving of this award,” Cr Willcox said.
“Leanne is a dedicated and committed sportswoman and an accredited teacher here in the Whitsundays and we are very proud of her achievements,” he said.
“I would also like to congratulate our Paralympic Cyclist David Nicholas who needs no introduction in our community after winning his second gold medal at the recent Rio Paralympics.
“David is an inspiration to many and a fine example of how hard work can give great rewards.
This year’s awards saw a total of 36 athletes nominated for their outstanding achievements in sport over four different categories.
The 2017 Sportstar Awards will be hosted by the Whitsunday Regional Council.