Tasmanian Tigers cricketer Aidan O'Connor and mountain bike champion Lacey Adams were the major winners as The Examiner acknowledged the latest stars of junior sport.
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In a celebration of Northern sporting achievement, the annual Junior Sports Awards announced winners in six categories and awarded a bursary in memory of popular reporter Phil Edwards.
The night also heard from former Australian cricket international Kristen Beams about her unique career path and the changing face of Tasmanian sporting opportunities.
Both individual athlete awards produced impressive shortlists with O'Connor picking up the male award just three months after signing a rookie contract with the Tasmanian Tigers.
The 17-year-old George Town and Riverside all-rounder, who played in both under-17 and 19 national championships last year, fought off stiff competition from soccer and tennis prodigy Campbell Young and under-18 canoe polo national championship winner Jethro Bates.
An under-17 gravity enduro national title plus wins in the UCI Enduro World Series at Maydena and Derby earned mountain biker Lacey Adams the female athlete of the year award from under-18 state bowls champion and national silver medalist Chloe Collins and Women's Super League referee of the year Elliana Beeston.
A title in the Primary Schools Sports Tasmania athletic carnival combined with selections to Tasmanian swimming and touch football teams landed Oliver Green the male rising star award.
Chanel Charles was named female rising star following her success at national little athletics and all-schools championships plus a Tasmanian under-14 400-metre record.
Two silver medals at the Australian Rowing Championships plus a gold at states saw Scotch Oakburn named the team of the year.
A lifetime devoted to hockey was recognised when Colin Pearson received the Ricky Ponting Service to Sport Shield.
Recently awarded life membership to Hockey Tasmania for his contribution to the sport, the Launceston City stalwart has also been voted Hockey Tasmania volunteer of the year.
Under-14 state soccer team goalkeeper Amelie Millar was awarded the Phil Edwards Bursary following standout performances at national youth championships and with Launceston City.
"Sport is a very important aspect of my life and has helped me through many hardships and challenges," Millar explained.
"Sport brings me happiness and joy and gives me a way to push myself to become the best version of me I can be."
The awards were sponsored by Woolworths and MCed by The Examiner's sports reporter Ben Hann.
Rob Shaw
Heralding the impact of Tasmanian sport without saying "punching above its weight" is not as easy as it sounds.
Heralding the impact of Tasmanian sport without saying "punching above its weight" is not as easy as it sounds.
Josh Partridge
As a sports-mad fan who loves to remain challenged, sports journalism always seemed the path for me and it's allowed me to do things I never thought possible. A keen racquet sports player, I'm experienced in that field, allowing me to do my job at a strong standard.
As a sports-mad fan who loves to remain challenged, sports journalism always seemed the path for me and it's allowed me to do things I never thought possible. A keen racquet sports player, I'm experienced in that field, allowing me to do my job at a strong standard.
