By Nick Creely
The City of Greater Dandenong only recently announced its 2017 Sports Awards winners, which recognizes the outstanding work of local clubs, teams and individuals to enhance performance and engage with the local community.
This year’s winners and achievements
Project of the Year
The Big Issue – Community Street Soccer Program Dandenong
In its ninth year of operation, the Community Street Soccer Program (CSSP), led by head coach Stuart McGown, uses sports a means to engage with the homeless, marginalized and disadvantage. The Dandenong program had 908 players attend in the last 12 months.
All Abilities Award
Sandown Cobras All Abilities Sports Club
The Sandown Cobras works to support children and youth to participate in local sport, such as basketball and football.
The club provides a fun and safe environment for all abilities children to keep active.
Team of the Year
Joint Winners: Dandenong Rangers SEABL Women’s Team and Dandenong Angels Baseball A-Grade Team.
The Rangers had a stunning 2016 SEABL season, winning the East Conference and going on to the SEABL National Championship, and are again in the mix of finals.
The side is made up predominantly of Dandenong players who started out at junior domestic level.
The Angels won their first premiership in A Grade since 1964 last year, and are a very deserved winner of the award.
With a mix of youth and experience, the Angels are a force to be reckoned with.
Athletes of the Year
Junior Athlete of the Year: Yash Pednekar – North Dandenong Cricket Club
The star youngster continues to turn heads in the cricketing world, and will represent Australia at Under-16 level early in 2018 in a series against Pakistan.
Male Athlete of the Year: Nilesh Vaheesan – Dandenong Springvale Athletics Club
Nilesh is the currently Under 18 State 110m hurdles champion, after claiming the title in 2017. He has also competed and finished strongly in the 400m hurdles, and is an outstanding runner.
Coach of the Year
Joint Winners: Gulcan Koca – Dandenong City Soccer Club and Stuart McGown – Community Street Soccer Program
Koca has been City’s girls’ coach for the past five season, and also plays professionally with Melbourne Victory and Calder United.
She is a rising coach who is set to go far in the game.
McGown is the longest serving coach of the CSSP and is an inspiring role model for troubled youth in the Dandenong area.
Sports Club of the Year
Dandenong Baseball Club (DBC)
The DBC had a very successful 2016 season with many premiership across the grades. It established a junior development program too, aimed at building junior numbers.
Volunteer of the Year
Kelly Applebee – Dandenong Women’s Cricket Club
Kelly has been a loyal servant of the Lions for as long as anyone can remember, and is one of the most respected members of the Women’s Premier Cricket Panel.
