Lions Club of Ingham Revives Sportsperson of the Year Awards

The Lions Club of Ingham is bringing back the much-loved Sportsperson of the Year Awards, an event steeped in local sporting history. First held in 1977, the inaugural ceremony welcomed Australian and Queensland Rugby League captain Greg Vievers as the guest speaker, where Sam Scuderi claimed the title, with George Day as runner-up.  

In 1982, the growing number of junior nominations led to the awards being divided into Senior and Junior categories. By 1986, the depth of talent in the Herbert River District inspired the Lions Club to introduce two additional categories: the Encouragement Award for both Seniors and Juniors.  

In 1990, the Lions Club partnered with the Herbert River Express to launch the Sportstars of the Month competition. This initiative, running alongside the annual awards, recognised standout athletes in both Junior and Senior divisions. The awards were a celebrated tradition until 2019, when the COVID-19 pandemic brought them to a halt.  

Now, the Lions Club of Ingham has proudly decided to reinstate the event. With an overwhelming number of nominations received, the competition has returned with enthusiasm. This year, 13 Junior and 12 Senior athletes are nominated for the titles of Junior and Senior Sportstar of the Year.  

The awards night is scheduled for Tuesday, 26 November, at the Ingham RSL. In addition to the main categories, the evening will feature two special awards: Team of the Year and the Recognition of Service Award. The latter, a new addition, is dedicated to the late PDG Lion Des Rooker, whose contributions were instrumental in organising the awards before the pandemic.  

The Lions Club of Ingham extends their best wishes to all nominees, encouraging them to take pride in their achievements and the positive impact they’ve made in their respective sports.

WHAT: Sportsperson of the Year Awards
WHERE: RSL Ingham
WHEN: Tuesday 26th November (tonight)

Contributed with thanks to Sharon Fighera.

1977 Sportsman of the Year Awards. Sam Scuderi (Sportsman of the Year), Greg Veivers (Aust and Qld Rugby League Captain and Guest Speaker), Ingham Lions President Bruno Cantoni, George Day (Runner Up Sportsman of the Year), Lion John Menico (Member and Chairman)

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