Karratha’s top sportspeople receives recognition at community sports awards

The most dedicated sportspeople in the City of Karratha received some well-deserved recognition for their efforts and achievements at last week’s community sports awards. With more than 100 sporting organisations in Karratha, the night recognised those who make sports happen including players, coaches, officials and volunteers with more than 70 nominations this year. Among the winners were Dampier Sharks’ Guy Langdon, who won sportsman of the year, Toby Fountain, who was named official of the year, and Briana Crisp, who took home coach of the year. Jennifer Beattie and Cassie Perry were also recognised for their long service in the sporting community. This year’s guest speaker and former Australian cricketer Mitchell Johnson said the community in Karratha reminded him of Townsville, where he grew up. “I’m really blown away by how close everyone is and blown away by the amount of sports that’s here,” he said. “It’s incredible and it just goes to show that the volunteers are doing an amazing job and the (City of Karratha) are doing the right things with how they’ve set up the facilities. “When I was growing up, sport was my escape in a way and you can do that here with the right facilities and the right people behind them.” Johnson’s message for the athletes was to keep pursuing their dreams. “Don’t rush it, take your time with it and don’t think you have to make it straight away,” he said. “You have to remember why you’re doing it is because you love doing it and it’s great fun.” Sportswoman of the year Jessica Creighton said it made her feel proud to have her efforts recognised. “I’ve always loved sports, always been good at it and it’s always made me happy playing any type of it. The main thing is it makes me happy and the community and friends I get from it is really good.” Winners Junior sportswoman: Jordi Perry Junior sportsman: Colin Skeen Sportswoman of the year: Jessica Creighton Sportsman of the year: Guy Langdon Official of the year: Toby Fountain Coach of the year: Briana Crisp Volunteer of the year: Cassidy Lombardo Long service awards: Jennifer Beattie & Cassie Perry Sporting group of the year: Nor West Jockey Club