SWAS crowns sports stars

The South West Academy of Sport celebrated its 10th anniversary in style, with several athletes and coaches recognised at the 2018 annual awards dinner in Bunbury on Friday night.

It was a memorable occasion for sailing talent Shannon Dalton, who was crowned SWAS Sports Star of the Year, along with Individual Female Athlete of the Year honours.

Dalton, who headed to Melbourne on Sunday to compete in the Sail Melbourne regatta, was humble after receiving both awards.

“It’s really nice to be able to share it with all my family and friends,” Shannon said.

“It’s such a great sport.”

The 16-year-old took up sailing seven years ago and has relished the opportunity to broaden her horizons in a sport which is demanding mentally and physically.

“Sailing is something complete – which is what I love about it,” Shannon said. “And being out on the water is something which I really love as well. I sail on a two person boat, so I’m still sailing with someone, so it isn’t completely a single sport.

“I like being able to work with someone else.”

Shannon said she was grateful for the role SWAS had played in both her training and personaldevelopment.

“It’s been really good to have someone down in the South West to support me,” Shannon said.

“Because most of the sailing is up in Perth so it is really nice to come home.”

Award winners

SWAS Sports Star of the Year: Shannon Dalton (Sailing) Wally Foreman Coach of the Year: Erin Culnane (Netball) Community Achiever award: Ella Smith (Australian Rules Football) Emerging Star of the Year: Courtland Wood (Cycling) Team Female Athlete of the Year: Giselle Taylor (Netball) Team Male Athlete of the Year: Durak Tucker (Australian Rules Football) Individual Female Athlete of the Year: Shannon Dalton (Sailing) Individual Male Athlete of the Year: Zeke Tinley (Triathlon)