And that’s a wrap for season 2019-20! We had a great season and this was thanks to our fantastic team of age managers, parent helpers, coaches, water safety, sponsors, BBQ crew, carnival referees and officials – we couldn’t have done it without you. Big thanks!
There was a great turnout for our nipper presentation day was held on Saturday 14th March at Balgowlah RSL with the awards presented by our VIP guests and club legends. We received a lot of positive feedback about the venue, and yes we’ll make sure the coffee shop and bar will be open next time around.
The Chairman’s awards were presented by Keith Abraham to Charlie Colwell and Eva Haughton (pictured above) with the prizes of a mountain bike each courtesy of Andrew Taylor of the Brookvale Bike Factory who has been a great supporter of North Steyne over the years.
The outgoing Junior Club captains Greer Mason and Blake Wilson handed over the flag to the incoming JCC’s Clara Brocklehurst and Emmett Mariotti and vice-captains Sophia Nunn and Dara Kehoe (pictured below). These outstanding nippers will be representing the club and working to achieve their Surf Rescue Certificate next season.
Best Competitor awards were presented to Clara Brocklehurst and Felix Stephens by Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan, recognising their achievements at carnivals throughout the season.
Coaches awards – Our brilliant coaches Bec Stewart (water) and Clayton Kearney (beach) awarded Iggy Jenkins and Harper Maisey respectively for their skills and performance over the season. North Steyne’s performance at carnivals has seen a steady improvement over the past few seasons and we thank Bec and Clayton for their work with our nippers.
The ‘No Guts No Glory’ award recognises a nipper who never gives up no matter what and was this year presented to Faye McCloskey by Bronwen Regan, chief of staff to our federal MP Zali Steggal, who herself displayed some guts turning up while nursing an ankle injury. See picture below.
We finished off with a compilation of film clips and photos taken during the season by parents and our resident photographer David Sawyer. The nippers enjoyed seeing themselves on the big screen, especially the action shots of the thrills and spills in the surf.
Another 15 seconds of fame for a few of our nippers who helped out at the Environment Minister and Premier’s press conference at Queenscliff SLSC on Sunday 8th March, seen on the TV news and in the Sydney Morning Herald: https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/nsw-to-join-all-other-states-in-banning-single-use-plastic-bags-20200308-p5480b.html
Nippers does not stop for the off-season, though our weekend board training sessions are temporarily on hold due to concerns about COVID-19 – we hope the sessions can resume soon as soon as possible, the water temperature usually stays around 20 degrees long into Winter and surf conditions are usually calmer than Spring and Summer. Keep an eye on Team App for updates.
Stay safe everyone and we’ll see you next season!
Brian Mariotti & Hillary Burrows
North Steyne SLSC Junior Activities Chairs