By Paul Gellatly

The fun was on for young and old as Merinda State School, several kilometres north of Bowen, celebrated 125 years of service to its tight-knit community.

The centrepiece of celebrations on Saturday July 22 was the cutting of a 'birthday cake', with school principal Rebecca Bowyer overseeing both the school's oldest surviving former student, 97-year-old Irene Mellon (now Irene Millier) and the school's youngest student, five-year old Maddis Allan, as they made the first cut in the large cake.

Mrs Millier attended the school from 1936, walking in from Euri Creek, several kilometres north of the Hamlet, every day.

Meanwhile Maddis, has found a welcoming environment at the school, which has a total enrolment of about 50 prep and primary students.

Despite the small student body, Merinda State School is well-resourced, with each class having a highly skilled teacher aide.

The maths, language, science, and arts resources are extensive, and a library was built via the Building Education Revolution program.

The school's large grounds include a junior playground, a soccer oval, a cricket oval, a volleyball court, and tennis courts.

At the 125 year celebrations, hundreds of people including past and present students crowded the school, aided by a morning of perfect weather.

Other attractions included a classic cars display, a market and a selection of showground rides.

One of the school's classrooms was given over to providing a historical display that featured student art and craft works, including some examples of the waning art of embroidery.

The day’s celebrations began with a Welcome to Country and a performance by the Juru dancers, with speeches and the cutting of the cake.

Some welcome attendees included a small contingent of US troops from Joint Task Force 7, who seemed to enjoy the special Australian experience and entertained the crowd with some US-style physical exercise moves, including co-opting principal Bowyer who the troops put through her paces, to a chorus of cheers.

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Merinda State School principal Rebecca Bowyer oversees the cutting of the school's 125th anniversary cake by its oldest student, 97-year-old Irene Mellon, and its youngest, Maddis Allan, 5, Photo credit: Paul Gellatly

Staff from Merinda State School spend time with the US troops from Joint Task Force 7. Photo supplied

A special stall celebrated the region’s abundance of fresh food and veg. Photo supplied

A line of classic cars proved popular with the US Forces at the anniversary celebrations. Photo credit: Paul Gellatly

Face painting and other fun activities kept the children entertained. Photo credit: Paul Gellatly

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This week, 99 wonderful people ran, jogged, and walked the 5km waterfront course, of whom 18 were first timers and 25 recorded new Personal Bests.

Photos supplied

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Whitsunday Raiders travelled to Quarry Hill, home of Mackay Cities for the last competition round for 2023.

With the overcast skies and no wind, for a change, it was going to be a tough mental game as well as a physical one.

The Raiders started the game, kicking off to Cities, and managed to turn the ball over and scrum half, Brodie Stillman, managed to sneak across the line and add the first 5 points of the game after just 2 minutes.

Cities were not giving an inch and scrummaging was a tight tussle, that the Raiders seemed to be gaining the upper hand.

It took the raiders another 20 minutes of determined defence and skilful running rugby to post another 7 points on the scoreboard to take a 12-point lead.

The Cities forwards started to get some momentum and managed to pick up a five-pointer close to half time.

The score remained 12-5 in favour of the raiders going into the half time break.

The second half was another arm wrestle with both teams getting a share of the ball.

Big hits, strong defence, great line outs, and successful mauling, showed why the Raiders are at the top of the MRU table.

They kept the big Cities men out of the game and ran in another four converted tries, a double to fullback Aden Spence, a try to winger Jack Briskey, and then finally an intercept try from impact player, Enelaki Faataape, right on full time, saw the Raiders finish the competition in first place with a 40-5 win, to become 2023 Minor Premiers.

Semi-finals at home next Saturday 29th July.

Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence.

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Ratu Jone Tovata hitting the line with support by Rhys Ward

Connor Spence taking the ball to ground, Chad Stocking in support. Photo credit: Hanny Spence

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Living in Paradise gives you many reasons to smile but this week began with an extremely special event.

Tuesday afternoon saw 2 fantastic finalists playing in the A and B Grade Pairs.

Meanwhile in the rink next to them in the B Pairs Tess Walker and Rhonda Lloyd got to a commanding 13-4 lead against Bev Taylor and Di Jackson however the latter team refused to give in and went on to win 25-19.

Tuesday afternoon Social bowls also saw Peter Smith a visitor from Stanthorpe Bowls club in Queensland with our own Robin Brown and Pam Collins in scintillating form.

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls saw 42 bowlers playing for the prize with many interstate and travelling Queenslanders playing and it was the team of Barry Hirth with John Walsh and our own Graham Cowling against Aileen Jacob visiting bowler with our own John Brown with skipper Greg Pepyat convincing winners of the day with a fantastic afternoon tea provided.

Saturday morning Scroungers saw Andy McDougall one of the most improved bowlers in the club win Scroungers again, he's going from strength to strength.

Whilst in Mackay Bowling Club the Champion of Champions fours was being played and although beaten in the quarterfinals John Trembath's team of lead Mark Mawson, second John Askew, third Tony Whitehorn were gallant in defeat and represented our little club admirably.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Bev Taylor with Di Jackson who showed there is no such thing as a handicap if you believe in your abilities. Photo supplied

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It all started on Friday when Harry Craig played in the District play off for the All Schools Cup Challenge for St Catherine's School down at North Mackay.  

Harry and his team partner Alfie Moretto won their section and will be representing the Whitsunday region at Pine Rivers later this year.

Champion of Champion Fours were played at Mackay Club this weekend.  

First game was against Sarina with our boys winning 24-22; then game Airlie Beach with Proserpine winning 24- 13.

Semi Finals were against Northern Beaches where the game was drawn at the end of 21 ends and went into an extra end which Proserpine won.  

Final was against Souths Suburban.  Proserpine was in the lead for most of the game, but an end lost close to the conclusion put Souths into the lead.  

Two shots were needed to draw the game in the final end and send it into a deciding end, one shot was scored.  

Final score 254-25.  

Well done Michael Kinnear, Luchie Gardel, Grahame Kinnear and Barry Saroglia taking out Runners Up in the District Champion of Champion 4s.

In Club Competition on Saturday, a game of the Club Championship Triples was played.

Dale Haack, Shane Kinnear and Wayne Handley defeated Marcus Craig, Toby Craig and Gavin Milne 20 - 19 in what must have been a nail biter of a game.

Good bowling to Heather Brown who is contesting the Champion of Champion Singles at St Helens this week.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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Isaac Elliott and Toby Craig Finalists from this year's B Singles. Photo supplied

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The Women's Pennant Competition was held over the weekend with the Proserpine team winning Division One at the Pioneer Golf Club and Division Six at Mystic Sands.

Other Results this week:

Congratulations to Lloyd Kingston on taking out the 2023 Men's Handicapped Match Play competition, a close match against Brian Allen.

Tuesday - Nick Apruzzese winning on 36 pts followed by Robyn Whitham on 34 pts, NTP winners were Gary Scotford and Allen Roberts

Wednesday - Toni Clauss in a game of 2 halves winning on 39 pts, followed by Elspeth Scotford on 37 pts. NTP winners were Trish McNeill, Pauline Redpath & Ann Gardel

Thursday - Chris Pham and Marc Belke combined well to win the 4BBB Stableford on 49 pts, followed by Paul Nicol and Brendon Meharry on 45 pts. NTP winners were Rod Judd, Bill Woods, Steve Lucas and Brendan Meharry.

Friday - Brendan Spann winning from Karl Carton on 21 pts and 18 pts respectively.

Saturday - Rob Stanley back in form with an impressive 41 pts to win the competition, Ben Bullock in 2ndplace with 40 pts. Division 2 won by Chris Pham, Tim Walton in 2nd place, both on 38 pts. Di Chard also shooting an excellent score of 40 pts, winning the ladies from Tessa Aitken on 37 pts. NTP winners: Brian Allen, Helen Deighton, Scott Clarke, Di Chard, Wayne Fitzgerald, John Wallace.

Sunday - Renae Maxwell and Elise Hodgson were top of the ladies comp with 35 and 33pts, Nick Shepherd and Chris Bartlett winning the mens on 45pts and 41 pts respectively. NTP winners were Gwen Curteis, Clay Coles, and Marcus Heathcote.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Pro Shop.

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Div 1 2023 team, Tina Badenhorst, Leanne Alexander, Trish McNeill, Mel Patullo, Lyn Muller and Nola Giddins. Photo supplied

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Another windy day on the course for Tuesdays Stableford comp.  

31 competitors - 21 men and 10 ladies.  

Robyn Whitham was the winner on the day with a score of 34, Leanne Alexander 32, Jenny Hounsell 29 on a countback from Kath Borer 29.  

Nic Apruzzese was the men's winner on 36, Barry Shuwalow 35, Louise Neethling 34 and John Roser 32.

Thursday we travelled to Pioneer Valley for the third round of the Croker Shield.  

Unfortunately, we were beaten 278 to 269 but still leading by 33 points.  

Vickie Wallace was our best scorer on her first ever game at the Valley.  

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat.

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Nic Apruzzese and Robyn Whitham. Photo supplied

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Winners for Monday Triples were L Fox, K Pedlar, and G Feast.

Runners Up S Roome, D Richards, and R Agg.

The jackpot didn’t go off.

On Tuesday winners were Bruce, Douglas, Pauline Cochrane, and Michael Loughhead who defeated Bron Tolcher, Keith Aykens.

Runner Up M Coad A Pearson, J Dawson, P Cochrane

Winners for our Fun Friday afternoon were Col Taylor, Peter Donoghue, and Viv.

The jackpot didn’t go off.

Friday night barefoot bowls winners for the night were Kerri, Geoff, Teresa, and Penny who defeated Grant June Cheryl and Bill.

We had a great Saturday afternoon of bowls with the annual Wangaratta versus All States challenge.

With a full green there were plenty of good bowls from both sides and it was played with great enthusiasm and determination.

Wangaratta came in winners with 167 shots against All States with 140 making it four years in a row.

Rink winners for the afternoon came out on Rink 2 where Marie Nesbitt, June Walsh, France Wilman, and Keith Armstrong defeated Tracey Roach, Sue Shearing, Steve Roome, and Allan Rolfe.

Most of us came back on Sunday for another game.

Winners for the afternoon were Kevin Baxter, John and Rodney who defeated M Harvey, Keith Aykens, and Maureen Hyde.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Wangaratta Teams Wang V All States 2023. Photo supplied

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This week’s 9-hole stabelford competition saw Dee Norman take first place on 27 pts, second with 24 pts Cy Taylor and third with 22 pts Bree Harvey.

This week was a good week for Bree Harvey getting not only third in the weekly comp but a hole in one on hole 2 also Justyn Durbin scored a hole in one on hole 7.

Fridays stableford saw Jay Angel first place with 20 pts, second with 19 pts was Michael Pettiford and third on 18 pts was Josh Barnard.

On Sunday we held the 4 ball better ball Championships taking the win was Asher Ventham and Deeray Fo’ou with a 45.25 net, second with a 46 net saw Glenn Rees and Rob Lodders, third place saw Tyson Flavel and Craig Kennedy with a 46.75 net. Great job Gentlemen.

This Sunday July 30th will be our 18-hole monthly medal stableford tee off at 10.00am hope to see you all there.

Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Green Team.

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Pictured: Asher Ventham and Deeray Fo’ou

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While the weatherman said that the wind would be from the south-east, Wednesday afternoon saw the wind swinging by up to 40 degrees, making for a challenging race for the 18 boats who competed in the Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight race.

First away was Treasure VIII (Rob Davis), frantically checking that they hadn’t fouled the starting process.  

Once clear, they were soon overrun by the faster boats, with QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) first around the windward buoy.  

A couple of close battles ensued, with Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) and QMS Ponyo swapping places many times, while a similar scenario saw Reignition (Charles Wallis) and Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez) having similar battles.  

At the front, Bobby’s Girl got the advantage on the last leg, crossing the finish 15 seconds ahead, with Reignition and Smooth Criminal a further two minutes back.  

On corrected time, QMS Ponyo took the honours over Wide Load and Treasure VIII.

The start of Division Three saw little to choose between Lighthorse (Di Forster) and Rossgo (Greg Hammon), with the judge’s decision going to Lighthorse for the Doyle Sails sponsored best start prize.

On the water, Matchless (Terry Stevens) soon hit the front, clearing out to finish two minutes clear of Shiraz (John Cable).  

Once ashore and the handicapping took over, it was Fordplay who celebrated with a two minute lead over Shiraz and Masquerade.  

Contributed with thanks Ross Chisholm.

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Twilight Races see tough competition. Photo supplied

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On Saturday, three Cannonvale swimmers joined 80 other swimmers from around Australia to swim 8km from Magnetic Island to Townsville.  

Cannonvale swimmers, Jacob Bell, Kyle Pevitt-Scott and Mark Erickson could not believe their luck with the weather.  

It was ideal weather for an ocean swim, 22 degrees, neat tide and hardly any wind.

Jacob Bell was in the lead for most of the race but was overtaken in the last kilometre.  

Jacob swam a super time of 1 hour and 47 min.  

He was 1st male out of the water and was the 3rd overall.  

Jacob was 1st in his 14 – 17-year-old age group.  

Kyle swam an excellent time of 2 hours and 9 minutes and was the 22nd swimmer out of the water.  Kyle was awarded 3rd place for his 35 – 49-year age group.  

Mark Erickson was impressed with how he swam.  

He swam a fantastic time of 2 hours and 6min and was 1st in the males over 60 years.  Congratulations Jacob, Kyle, and Mark!  

The Townsville Open Water Swimming Association, TOWSA awarded Mark Erickson with the Dick Wickenden Memorial Trophy for outstanding effort.  

Some Cannonvale swimmers are now preparing for the triathlon events next weekend and the start of the Cannonvale Cannons’ new season.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Jacob Mark and Kyle at Presentation Ceremony TOWSA 2023

Jacob Bell 1st Male Magnetic Island Swim 2023. Photos supplied

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Champion Mackay point guard Isaac White is racing the clock to be fit for this Saturday night’s NBL 1 North Basketball Conference quarter final showdown with South West Metro Pirates at Brisbane’s Hibiscus Sports Stadium.

The mercurial White was a late withdrawal from the Meteors side that tossed Red City Roar 102-84 at Mackay Basketball Stadium to clinch a finals berth but is hopeful he can overcome a torn quadricep injury to lead the club in a do-or-die fixture.

On the final night of the preliminary season the Meteors narrowly missed securing a top four spot but enter the play-offs from fifth position and with winning momentum.

The fourth placed Pirates staved off a challenge from North Gold Coast Seahawks to register a 103-99 victory.

In the absence of White, talented forward Christian Maran and guard Tyler Williams stepped up with classy performances as Mackay ended the season with an 11-8 record.

Maran showed his leadership qualities to contribute 23 points, six assists and four rebounds for the Meteors while the skilful Williams posted 23 points, five rebounds and three assists.

Other Meteors players to impress were 18-year-old St Patrick’s College whiz Amarco Doyle who made the most of his valuable court time to nab 14 points, nine boards, three assists and two steals; the flamboyant Isaiah Lee (13 points, eight assists and seven steals) and DJ Baptiste (10 points, 12 rebounds and four assists).

American power forward Jaylen Key posted 22 points, 10 rebounds and three assists for Red City with Kane Bishop adding 18 points, seven boards and five assists.

Red City pushed the Meteors all the way with the home side ramming home their advantage in the final quarter.

MACKAY Meteorettes ended their 2023 campaign on a winning note after toppling wooden-spooners Red City Roar 84-77.

Fielding one of the youngest lineups in the North Conference, the Meteorettes finished the season with a 4-15 record but proved competitive against the competition’s more experienced sides.

Red City led for most of the match until Mackay surged in the final quarter with the gifted Davida Dale (19 points, six assists, five rebounds and three steals), Charli Bliss (13 points and two boards), Denesha Bobongie (11 points and five rebounds), Courtney Virgo (11 points, nine boards, four assists and three steals) and Brittany Reeves (10 points, 20 rebounds and four assists) all producing top displays.

The Roar were best served by classy guard Lilly Rotunno (28 points, four rebounds and four assists), Donica Cosby (20 points, seven boards, three assists and two steals) and Angela Beadle (17 points, six rebounds and two assists).

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Photo credit: Chris Karas

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The final of the B singles and the open singles were played on North Mackay greens on June 21.

The open singles game was between Nuggy Pratt and Lorna Bowers. Nuggy got away from Lorna early, but Lorna managed to come back, but unfortunately just a bit too late, so the winner was Nuggy Pratt.

The B singles was between Maryann Bartolo and Brenda Trannore. In much the same vein as the open ladies; Maryann got away to a substantial lead early, but Brenda clawed her way back to only lose by a few points. The games were exciting to watch and spectators were in awe of such great sportsmanship.

Wednesday social winners were: Gloria Sam and Daphne Offield. Runners up were: Judith Snow, Sue Hazledine and Pat O’Neill

Wednesday social winners for June 7 were: Cheryl Corbett and Sue Hazledine. Runners up were: Wendy McGee, Sue Roscoe and Cathy Matthews.

Wednesday social winners for June 14 were: Min Andrew, Shirley Bartolo and Deb Mackenzie. Runners up were: Fay McCubben, Jean Zamparutti and Pat O’Neill.

Wednesday social winners for June 29 were: Gloria Sam, Margaret Goldston and Donna Gordon. Runners up were: Lyn Maguire and Kathy Mathews

Wednesday social winners for July 6 were: Carmel O’Loughlin and Debbie Mackenzie. Runners up were: Lesley Baumgarten, Hilary Jones-Rowan and Bev Woodward.

Wednesday social winners for July 12 were Bev McDonald, Brenda Trannore and Maryann Bartolo. Runners up were: Gloria Sam, Helen Fleming and Hilary Jones-Rowan.

Pennant season has come to an end for the 2023 season. The North Mackay Ladies have taken out Division 3.

On the final day of pennants competition, the 1st Division ladies clashed against Souths Suburban on July 16. North Mackay came out winners on the day, but unfortunately didn’t win this years’ competition. That honour went to Souths Suburban.

Contributed by Sue Hazledine

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L-R Pat O’Neill, Maryann Bartolo, Daphne Offield, Helen Goldston, Narell Schmidtke, Isla Comelli, Jean Zamparutti and Dorothy Wise. Photo supplied

B Singles Runner up Brenda Trannore (L) and Winner Maryann Bartolo (R)

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Les Stagg Oval in Proserpine is the established home base for the Whitsunday Brahmans Rugby League Club.

Last Saturday night the high-flying Souths Logan Magpies nearly described it as a “graveyard” after snatching a 14-12 victory over the Mackay Cutters in QRL Hostplus Cup action.

With ten minutes left on the clock the Cutters were poised to spring the boilover of the season when they led the competition leaders 12-10 in an absorbing tussle.

But a late try by centre Jesse Jennings enabled the Magpies to secure their 13th win of the season and maintain top spot after 17 matches.

It was another cruel finish for Michael Comerford’s courageous Cutters who have shown improved form in recent weeks.

Both sides defended stoutly until Souths Logan opened the scoring after 22 minutes when back rower Tyler Coburn crashed through tackles to grab a try with half back Jack Campagnolo adding the extras.

The Magpies extended their lead when fullback Byron Johnson sliced through to score his team’s second try before Mackay hit back before the break with a four pointer by five eighth Adam Cook and Brandon Finnegan conversion.

An upset was brewing as the Cutters went toe to toe with the premiership pacesetters and when strong running centre Joshua Smith crossed for a 60th minute try and Finnegan potted his second goal the match took a dramatic twist.

The sharp running Jennings broke the hearts of the Cutters rugby league fraternity with his late heroics, but the Mackay men can stand tall after producing their finest display of the season.

Mackay travel to Jack Manski Oval on Saturday July 29 for their next Hostplus Cup fixture against Townsville Blackhawks at 4pm with Hastings Deering Under 21 Colts clash at 2pm.

Photos supplied: Mackay Cutters

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Mackay SLSC recently held their annual awards presentations on the grounds of the surf club overlooking Mackay’s beautiful Harbour Beach.

Club President Brendan Smith opened the afternoon recognising the club’s contribution of “Vigilance and Service” to the Mackay community as the “Guardians of Harbour Beach” for over 70 years, as well as another challenging yet rewarding season.

Mr. Smith said, “Being a volunteer organisation there are many people who make sacrifices to contribute to the running of various aspects of the club, this ensures that we can keep our beach safe for the Mackay Community.”

The awards afternoon was a way of recognising both junior and senior members who make a difference, from the volunteer workforce who run major carnivals such as the North Australian Titles and Branch Titles, the Nippers program and surf sports, the club’s valued sponsors and most importantly the Club Captain, patrol teams and patrolling members who keep our beaches safe.

AWARD WINNERS

Junior Club Champion - Ash Johnson

John Patti Most Improved Nipper – Lachlan Griffith

Flo Payne Club Nipper Culture - Molly Madden

George Moody Quiet Achiever – Isabella Grant

Junior Coaches Award - Bodie Mau

Junior Club Captain - Molly Madden

President’s award for ‘Service and Vigilance - David Fitzmaurice

Volunteer of the year – Josh Grant

Surf Rescue Trainee of the year - Molly Madden

Patrol of the Year – Patrol 5: David Fitzmaurice, Jayne Freier, Jakobi Pearce, Ben Johnson and Lexi Schiffer

Coach of the year - Jayne Freier

Senior competitor of the year – Ben Madden

Patrol Captain of the year – David Fitzmaurice

Recognition of Major sponsors - M & P Services, Craig’s Couriers, Bulk Fuel Australia, Key Solutions Group and Dave Griffith Electrical

Contributed by Josh Grant

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Patrol of the Year – Patrol 5: (L – R) Lexi Schiffer, David Fitzmaurice, Jayne Freier, Jakobi Pearce. Ben Johnson (Absent). Recognised for their outstanding service to beachgoers

Nippers celebrating the end of season at break up

Most Improved Nipper – Lachlan Griffith

Age Champions for the U8 – U14 Nippers

Isabella Grant was awarded the “Quiet Achiever” Award for the season.  Here she is taking out silver at Champion Lifesaver 2022