I attended two very different events last weekend, each of which was, in its distinctive way, a wonderful celebration of human spirit.
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On Saturday night, I was honoured to attend the Lake Mac Sports Awards and present awards to some of the successful athletes. It was a wonderful night, with so many stories of determination and triumph.
Our Sportsperson of the Year, Rhiannan Iffland (pictured), is an outstanding competitor and role model with an inspiring back story.
As a young diver, Rhiannan had dreams of going to the Olympic Games. When that didn’t happen, she found work in an ‘aqua theatre’ troupe on a cruise ship, where she was introduced to the extreme sport of high diving.
Rhiannon decided to learn how to high dive, building up to a height of 20 metres, which is twice that of an Olympic platform.
She entered the Red Bull cliff diving circuit as a rookie last year and went on to become the 2016 women’s champion.
Another inspiring story was that of our 2016 Masters Sportsperson of the Year, John Domandl, and his guide and co-winner, Paul McGlynn.
John competed in the Ironman triathlon in Western Australia in December, clocking 10 hours and 53 minutes for the gruelling event – the fastest time in the world for a visually impaired athlete.
His partner, Paul, put this amazing effort into perspective when he described the distances involved in this marathon event by referencing local landmarks then remarked: “Now, imagine doing all that with your eyes closed.”
These were just two examples from a host of uplifting stories we heard about on the night. I want to extend my congratulations to all who won awards and received nominations.
The second event was very different but shared the same warm atmosphere and acknowledgement of achievement.
It was the Refugee Welcome BBQ at Speers Point Park, held to celebrate diversity and educate new residents about their workplace rights.
It was wonderful to meet many new families who have made Lake Macquarie and the Hunter their home, and to hear about their journeys to our country and their resolute efforts to begin new lives.
It was another reminder of what a wonderful, supportive and diverse community we live in.
