Murray Bridge Sports Awards winners announced for 2022
Five local sports stars have been recognised at an awards ceremony in Murray Bridge.
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The winners of the Murray Bridge Sports Awards have been announced.
Golfer Armani Marsters, eight-ball player Isaac Olsen, clay target shooter Molly Bretag, lawn bowler Bruce Attrill and martial artist Karen Barry were recognised on Wednesday night.
The Bridges Events Centre hosted the awards, with Olympic medallist in rowing James McRae the emcee.
“It’s good to see that there’s plenty of local sporting talent and plenty of opportunities for local sportspeople to excel in their chosen sports,” Mr McRae said.
Murray Bridge Mayor Wayne Thorley and members of the selection panel presented the nominees with their certificates and the five winners with their awards.
Armani Marsters won the female Young Sports Person of the Year.
Ms Masters – who was named after the famous fashion brand – is currently ranked the number one golfer in country South Australia for both boys and girls.
In 2022, Ms Masters competed in more than 50 local and international tournaments.
She demonstrated that healthy competitive streak when she said about her award, “it’s good to succeed against the city kids”.
Volunteers were also a part of the ceremony, with Karen Barry taking out the award for Sporting Volunteer of the Year.
Ms Barry volunteers at Mypolonga’s Shukokai Karate Alliance Mypolonga and Murray Bridge club.
She gave a moving and heart-felt speech upon accepting her award.
“To be here means you’ve been acknowledged as a volunteer,” said Ms Barry.
She started martial arts to give herself and her daughter more confidence, and said both missions had been accomplished.
However, Ms Barry had no intention of leaving the sport, as she wanted to empower more people.
“They say the reason you start karate isn’t the reason you stay,” she said.
“Believe in the people in your family and your community, and see what they can do.”
Other winners of the Murray Bridge Sports Awards included:
- Isaac Riggs, male Young Sports Person of the Year, for eight-ball
- Molly Bretag, female Sports Person of the Year, for clay target shooting
- Bruce Attrill, male Sports Person of the Year, for lawn bowls
Mayor Thorley said that the awards night celebrated the diversity of sport and the skills in the community.
“Some people here aren’t well known, but they all have the opportunity to express themselves,” he said.
“It’s about competing: whether young or old, it’s a great feeling.”
Rural City of Murray Bridge CEO Michael Sedgman the awards were part of the Local Legends program, which recognised contributors to the community in various aspects of achievement.
Correction: This post has been updated to reflect the surname Oscar Riggs more commonly uses, after the council notified Murray Bridge News that it would change the name on his trophy and certificate.
