Mackay SLSC Nippers recently held their break up on Sunday March 13, in a culmination of their seven month season.
The morning celebrated the development of young lifesavers which began with training in July, season start in September, attendance at Alma Bay, Townsville, Forrest Beach, Ingham, Sarina and Yeppoon surf carnivals, as well as the North Australian Titles and an interclub Tri-Series between Eimeo, Sarina and Mackay, both held at Mackay’s Harbour Beach.
Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club Director of Surf Sports Joshua Grant said the club was so proud of the achievements of their nippers this season, with success coming in many forms.
Seeing how our young lifesavers develop from the start of the season, where some can be a little nervous about hitting the surf, to where they are now at the end of the season, where you can hardly get them out of the water, is very pleasing,” Mr Grant said.
“We have had nippers training hard and taking out big surf sports events, but on the other hand have nippers - particularly our ‘Green Caps’ U6/7’s - that just have a really fun time with their friends at our Sunday morning nippers’ program.”
Mr. Grant also made the point of thanking the Nipper Family, especially parents, for their contribution to the club throughout the season.
“Whether that be helping with beach set up, repairing boards, running the canteen, helping with activities, cooking the BBQ and getting nippers to training and Sunday mornings, all of this time and effort does not go unnoticed,” he said.
“Before we started presentations of awards, the nippers all gave their mum, dad, grandma or granddad a big hug to say thank you!”
The Nippers will be joining the senior members for a ‘Back to the Beach’ afternoon on 14 May, which will see members take each other on in the club championships followed by formal presentations and social drinks.
Participation Awards for Consistent Nippers over the season:
Green Caps Bella Bradley, Esme Conroy, Harper Cowan, Hugh Johnson, Isabelle Linke,
Lincoln Amos, Tayla McGuiness, Evan Grant, Harry Cown, Lachlan Griffiths
U8’s Karas Faith, Finn Hudspith, Jakob Djukic, Milla Read, Talon Close, Evie McCarthy
U9’s Ash Smith, Harry Madden, Jake Hudspith, Johnathon Grant, Kellan McLean, Kody Amos
U10’s Ash Johnson, Felix Boeck, Jermaine Burley, Logan Ivory, Magenta Newland, Zavier Virgona
U11’s Isabella Grant, Joseph Madden, William McCarthy
U12’s Cooper Jayo, Meliana Craig, Xaver Boeck, Zac Johnson
U13’s Molly Madden, Bodie Mau
Contributed by Director of Surf Sports Josh Grant
Mackay SLSC Nippers showing how proud they are to participate in the “Fun, Friends & Family” atmosphere that comes with being a lifesaver
MSLSC little champions & future of our club – the “Green Caps” U6 & U7 nippers enjoy being at nippers
U13’s Molly Madden (Junior Club Captain) and Bodie Mau receiving their surf award certificates. Next season they will be able to complete their Surf Rescue Certificate and start patrolling our beaches alongside experienced Lifesavers who will further mentor and train them.
