Crystal Attenborough Named NT Sportsperson Of The Year

Commonwealth Games bronze medallist and NTIS Elite Scholarship holder, Crystal

Attenborough, was last night named the Qantas NT Sportsperson of the Year at the 2007 Northern Territory Sports Awards.

Attenborough won the Award of $3,000 in airfares from Qantas ahead of the other finalists, Tenpin bowling athlete Rebecca Simpson and triathlete Sophie Hawken.

Minister for Sport and Recreation Kon Vatskalis congratulated Attenborough on winning the 2007 NT Sportsperson of the Year.

“It has been a bumper year for Crystal achieving a career highlight at as bronze medallist at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in the 4 x 100m relay.

“She has also achieved her personal best time of 11.43 seconds in the 100m at a national meet in Canberra in early 2007.

“Crystal is a fantastic role model for many of our athletes and she has proven the Territory proud as she continues to train, compete and live in Darwin.

“She is no newcomer to the spotlight being recognised for various awards over the years including being torchbearer for the 2000 Olympics and lighting the caldron for the 1999 Arafura Games.

International cyclist, Matt King, won the TIO Junior Sportsperson of the Year Award while his coach John Pyper took out the Eric Johnston Coach of the Year Award.

Over 250 guests donned black tie for the event held at the Arafura Room at the Holiday Inn Esplanade. Overall, there were over 55 nominations across 24 sports in seven categories.

Media Contact: Ryan Neve (08) 8901 4182 or 0401 119 609

Category winners were:

Qantas NT Sportsperson of the Year

Winner: Crystal Attenborough (Athletics – Darwin)

Finalists: Rebecca Simpson (Tenpin – Darwin), Sophie Hawken (Triathlon - Darwin)

TIO Junior Sportsperson of the Year

Winner: Matt King (Cycling – Alice Springs)

Finalists: Ashley Brown (Tennis – Darwin), Kim Bruyn (Netball – Darwin)

Crown Lager Masters Sportsperson of the Year

Winner: Rosemary Bromwich (Swimming – Darwin)

Finalist: Chris Kerwin (Tenpin Bowling – Darwin)

Crown Lager Eric Johnston Coach of the Year

Winner: John Pyper (Cycling – Alice Springs)

Finalists: June Voukolos (Tenpin Bowling–Darwin), Cherry Harvey (Athletics–Darwin)

TIO Volunteer of the Year

Winner: JOINT WINNERS - Willem (Bill) Van Dijk (Hockey – Alice Springs) and

Elizabeth Williams (Baseball – Alice Springs)

Finalist: Dalmain Hartley (Cycling – Darwin)

Qantas Team of the Year

Winner: NT Hockey Association Under 21 Mens (Hockey)

Finalists: NT Men’s Team - Rachuig (Ten Pin Bowling), NT U/15 Rugby League

Team (Rugby League)

Crown Lager Official of the Year

Winner: Stephen Darling (Athletics – Alice Springs)

Finalists: Thea Pearce (Netball – Darwin), Simon Walker (AFL – Alice Springs)

Hall of Champions

The Hall of Champions acknowledges the sporting success of past sports men and women.

2007 Inductee: Ms Masie Austin

Roll of Honour

The Role of Honour acknowledges the vital role of coaches, administrators and umpires.

2007 Inductee: Mr Vic Ludwig