Twelve-year-old Tom Drane has been named Forbes' Sportsperson of the Year for the third time.
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Recognised in previous years for holding multiple Australian and NSW motorbike racing titles, Tom took his career to the next level in 2018 by travelling to the US where he claimed three titles at their Grand Nationals.
A stand-out over four days of competition, the young Australian was named Youth Rider of the Year at the end of the national event.
Accepting his home town's top sporting honour on Saturday night, Tom thanked his parents for the work they put in to his racing, as well as his sponsors and supporters.
The question on the audience's lips was, what gives him the edge?
Tom's Dad Matt says his passion for racing and hard work have a lot to do with it.
"He's just determined to do it, he trains twice, three times a week," Matt said.
Runner up Charlie Staines
Sponsored by Forbes Services Memorial Club
Charlie Staines had a monster year on the rugby league field in 2018 - a member of three premiership-winning sides in one season.
Charlie is currently fulfilling commitments with the Penrith Panthers and wasn't able to attend the awards.
It was with the Panthers Under 18s SG Ball side that Charlie took out his first premiership last year.
He also came home to play with the Forbes Magpies Under 18s and first grade sides - and took the field in both grand finals with the winning Forbes teams.
Not only that, he represented Forbes High School in charity matches including the White Ribbon Cup.
His dad Shayne accepted the award on his behalf.
"It's a team sport, and that's what Charlie thrives on," he said.
Senior Sportsperson Leisa Burton
Sponsored by Gunn's Mensland
Leisa Burton was named Forbes' Senior Sportsperson of the Year for her achievements on the lawn bowls greens.
Leisa placed equal third in NSW after contesting the State Champion of Champions this year.
She was also successful in qualifying for the Australian Open lawn bowls event and won her three qualifying games in the singles competition.
After narrowly missing a finals berth in the knock-out competition, she went on to compete in the pairs and also won the three qualifying rounds.
Other achievements include:
- Winning the major singles for 10th time;
- Winning the major pairs and major fours;
- Runner up district pairs;
- Third in NSW Champion of Club Champions at Ettalong;
- Won the Canowindra carnival; fourth Dubbo carnival and second ladies carnival at Forbes.
Congratulations, Leisa, on a fantastic year.
"I've got a lot of people to thank," Burton said in accepting the award.
She acknowledged her workmates at Frank Spice, family including her husband who helps and challenges her with training, her children and grandchildren and the Forbes Sports and Recreation Club.
Nominees for the award included golfer Peter Nixon and rugby league player Mitch Burke.
Junior Sportsperson Stephanie Behan
Soccer player Stephanie Behan took out this honour from an incredible field of 30 nominees.
Stephanie played with the Western NSW Mariners, minor premiers in the NSW State League competition.
She was the top goal-scorer in the State League competition, netting 18 goals in 2017.
Stephanie went on to represent NSW in both the 2017 and 2018 national titles, with the side finishing runners up in both years.
Team of the Year
Forbes Magpies Under 18's Rugby League Team played consistently for the 2018 season and were able to take out the Group 11 Premiership.
The Under 18's have not won the title since 2014 and were ecstatic with the win.
Coach, Jason Kennedy, had a reasonably talented group of young men to work with and was able to refine their skills and keep them focused to the end and claim a well-deserved victory.
I would like to ask all team members to come forward if they are present to receive their trophy including: Charlie Staines, Mitch Rubie, Jake Shaw, Jack Hartwig, Kyle McClenahan, Tom Phillips, Toby Hurford, Luke Evans, Tom Toohey, Tom Maguire, Kristian Markwort, Dennis Spathis, Sean Towney, Brad Clifton, Campbell Woolnough, Ray Towney, Tom Hopkins, Iszac Bell, John Azzi, Max Smith, Kaidyn Haynes, Aaron Mawhinney, Trainers - Troy Hurford and Cameron Greenhalgh and Coach - Jason Kennedy.
President's Award - Forbes Public School Junior Girls 4 x 50m relay
Forbes Public School Junior Girls 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay Team came together after the Forbes Public School's Annual Swimming Carnival due to them having the four fastest times in the Junior girls 50m Freestyle.
They competed together as a team at the Lachlan PSSA carnival held at Condobolin where they won the event.
The team then went on to swim at the Western PSSA Trials in Dubbo where they set a new record.
The girls went on to swim at the State PSSA Trials at Homebush where they made the final and placed.
The Phillip Adams Encouragement Award - Laura Chudleigh
Laura has achieved the outstanding results this year which is testament to the consistent effort and commitment she gives to her sport.
She was 9 Years Girl Champion at Forbes Little Athletics and competed at the Regional and State Multi Championships.
Laura represented Forbes Public School at the State Cross Country and Athletics Championships.
Laura also represented her school for basketball team, soccer, touch football and tennis.
McGroder's Solicitors All Round Sports Achiever - Jonah Little
Jonah has had a very successful year in a variety of sports in both school and local competitions. His achievements for 2018 have included:
- Represented Forbes Public School for PSSA Rugby League
- Represented Forbes Junior Magpies in Group XI Under 12 representative Rugby League
- Best and Fairest Under 12 Forbes Junior Magpies
- Representative WSSA for Athletics in 100m, 200m and 4 x 100m Relay
- WSSA representative for swimming in 50m freestyle, 50m butterfly, 50m backstroke & 4 x 50m relay
- Under 11 Boy Swimming Champion at Forbes Fins
- Representative at WSSA Cricket
- Forbes cricket representative in Under 12's and Under 14's.
- Best & Fairest Under 12's cricket in the Forbes competition
- Represented Forbes Public School in AFL
- Forbes Public School Cross Country champion
- Was the recipient of the 2018 Forbes Public School "Excellence in Sports" medal.
- The Walker's Ag N Vet Team Award - Forbes Magpies Under 18 rugby league team
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