A winter Olympian has been named as one of 88 finalists in the prestigious North Queensland Sportstar Awards, set to be held this Saturday.
Recently coming in 9th place at the Korean World Cup and 1st in the FILA American Pacific Championships, Townsville local Alexander Ferlazzo has been nominated in the Senior Sportstar category which will be announced on Saturday night alongside eight other categories.
North Queensland Sports Foundation CEO Alexander Fisher said he was excited to celebrate the best of the region's sporting stars as the North Queensland Sports Foundation brings the annual North Queensland Sportstar Awards back to Townsville for the first time in almost a decade, for its 35th year.
Ahead of this weekend's event, Mr Fisher said the 2025 awards received a record number of nominations from across North Queensland, including 31 finalists from Townsville.
"The North Queensland Sportstar Awards celebrate the best of the best when it comes to athletes across the northern part of the State, across nine categories," Mr Fisher said.
"This year we had a record amount of interest and nominations, which have resulted in 88 finalists who are all incredible and certainly well deserving of this recognition.
"We have finalists from across the board when it comes to sports, from a winter sports, national champions across track and field, gymnastics and rodeo, just to name a few.
"The calibre of finalists is simply incredible, and if last year's winners, like Olympian Tori West or up-and-coming cycling star Sienna Monteith are anything to go by, I think there's some seriously bright futures ahead of these athletes."
Mr Fisher said the 35th awards were set to be the biggest yet, and he was expecting around 400 people to be in attendance.
"We're throwing out all the stops to make it our biggest awards yet – and in doing so, let's just say I think there will be some very happy winners on the night," he said.
Division six Councillor and three-time Olympian Suzy Batkovic congratulated all those nominated and said she was excited to see this year's newest award category acknowledge the work of those who keep sports running behind the scenes.
"For the first time in 35 years the awards have created a Sports Impact category, which is all about acknowledging the people behind the scenes – whether it be the volunteers, coaches or administration," Cr Batkovic said.
"Over my sporting career I have had some amazing influences off the court and know these are the people that never seek recognition but give so much.
"I'm extremely pleased that 31 of this year's finalist are from Townsville – this achievement highlights the depth of talent and the strength of our sporting clubs.
"Sports is such a massive part of life in north Queensland, and I'm so pleased that Townsville City Council can partner with the North Queensland Sports Foundation to bring this amazing night to life."
Winner of the 2024 Junior Sportstar of the year award, and local cyclist Sienna Monteith said the recognition had allowed her to grow in the sport, ultimately enabling her to travel overseas to New Zealand and Belgium to compete in 2026.
"I encourage all kids or young up and comers to pick up a bike, or get into a sport," she said.
"It really can take you a long way, just keep going, stay dedicated and don't forget to have fun as well - it really can take you anywhere, even across the world."
Sienna said she the Service to Sport award introduced this year was a great addition to the North Queensland Sportstar Awards.
"Coaches, volunteers, and importantly my parents have done so much for me to help me get to where I am, as well as the Townsville Cycling Club for getting behind me and holding such great events."
Eighty-eight North Queensland finalists have been named across nine categories, including:
- Senior Sportstar
- Junior Sportstar
- Para-Athlete of the Year
- Rural & Remote Sportstar
- Team Sportstar
- Masters of Sport
- Sports Impact
- Service to Sport
- Sporting Excellence.
The 35th annual North Queensland Sportstar Awards is presented by the North Queensland Sports Foundation, in partnership with Townsville City Council.
The awards will be held at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre on Saturday 25 October from 5:30pm, visit North Queensland Sportstar Awards | What's On Townsville
