Local athletes Emily Lynch and Elwood Geary have been named the 2020 City of Mount Gambier Junior Sports Assistance Fund Exceptional Juniors. The 13-year-old athletes will receive a $1000 cash prize each, sponsored by the Mount Gambier Commercial Club.
The Exceptional Junior is awarded annually to an athlete or athletes who demonstrate exceptional commitment and skills to achieve excellence in their chosen sport.
Emily is a member of the Mount Gambier and District Little Athletics and has competed at state and national level. Her achievements include winning gold at the state championships in the 1500m Race Walk and gold at the SA Athletics Championships in the 3000m Race Walk. Emily also tasted success at the Australian Athletics Championships, placing sixth in the Under 15 3000m Race Walk.
In addition to her sporting talent, Emily displays a strong commitment to giving back to her club.
Emily is a great asset to the club - she helps set up on Friday nights, takes the athletes for their warm ups and helps to teach the younger athletes how to race walk. - Mount Gambier and Districts Little Athletics President Michael Ellis
Joint winner Elwood Geary is a member of the Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association and has been a representative at the South East Country Cup in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Elwood was also selected in the Victorian Youth Premier League for Western Waves in 2021 and recently made his A Grade debut for South Gambier Cricket Club.
"The Junior Sports Assistance Fund congratulates Emily and Elwood on their achievements," Junior Sports Assistance Fund Committee Presiding Member Cr Christian Greco said.
"It is pleasing to see these athletes doing so well at just 13 years of age and on behalf of the fund, I wish them both every success in their future sporting endeavours."
The 2020 awards bring the Mount Gambier Commercial Club contribution to the fund to more than $43,000 over 20 years.
"The fund is very grateful for the ongoing support from the Commercial Club. Thanks to this partnership with the fund, we have seen many local athletes supported to reach their fullest sporting potential," Cr Greco said.
