October was a month full of highlights and celebration for Paddle Australia.
Our community came together on Saturday night to reflect on the last 12 months, recognise and celebrate our athletes and coaches, and honour the service of our incredible volunteers, officials and educators who continue to give selflessly to our sport at the Paddle Australia Awards Night. I invite you to read more about the evening and our winners here.
On behalf of Paddle Australia, I am honoured to recognise and pay tribute to Andrea McQuitty, our outgoing President and newest life member whose time with Paddle Australia has been significant in both length and impact. Read more about her extensive contribution which has been detailed here.
I also extend my sincerest congratulations to those named as finalists for the NSW Sport Awards. Dylan Littlehales is one of six athletes shortlisted for the Athlete of the Year with a Disability award, a nomination rightly deserved off the back of due to his World Championship success this season, while four-time Athlete of the Year winner Jessica Fox is in the running for a fifth trophy. For her incredible work with the Women’s Canoe Slalom program, Myriam Fox is also one of five finalists for the coveted Coach of the Year Award.
This month marked the end of the international paddle season for our Aussie athletes. I applaud each and every one of our athletes for their dedication to their chosen disciplines, and congratulate all those across the junior, senior and masters categories that recorded outstanding results for Paddle Australia across the board.
October also saw Paddle Australia present the National Events Calendar for the 2023/24 paddling season. With numerous, outstanding events around the country this domestic season, I invite you to plan your summer here.
With the weather warming up and summer fast approaching, we look forward to seeing you and you fellow paddlers back on the water.Â
Phil Jones
Paddle Australia CEO
