Nelson Bay golfer Lachlan Pearson has won a bronze medal in the Level 5 Division 2 category at the Special Olympics Australia National Games in Melbourne. The 18-year-old represented Team NSW at Sandy Golf Links, finishing third in the 18-hole gross division. Pearson, a 12.9 marker at Nelson Bay Golf Club, also won an international gold medal earlier this year at the Macau Golf Masters. The National Games served as a qualifying event for the 2027 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Santiago, Chile.
Nelson Bay Football Club's under-16 boys team has won the Newcastle inter-district grand final championship and the club's Most Distinguished Team Award. The season was marked by the sudden death of respected coach and parent Andy McKenzie, who had a 12-year connection with the club. The grand final against Cooks Hill finished 1-all after full time, before Nelson Bay scored in extra time. Goalkeeper Logan Parmigiani then made a late save to seal the win. Coach Chris Farrell said the team dedicated the victory to McKenzie.
Salamander Bay father Luke Noble has been named Volunteer of the Year at the Nelson Bay Netball Association presentation night. The 44-year-old helps maintain courts at the Tomaree Sporting Complex, runs the weekly barbecue and scores matches on match days. He said he felt a little embarrassed but honoured to receive the award. His daughters Emily and Abigail both play netball, and his wife Mel is a team coach and manager. Noble said he simply enjoys the game and helps keep the courts safe for players.
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Soldiers Point paddler Brendan Jones has gained selection in a provisional Australian Auroras squad preparing for the 2027 World Dragon Boat Racing titles in China. The 53-year-old head coach of the Port Stephens Dragon Boat Club took up the sport in 2021 and has since become a gold medal-winning NSW representative. Jones is aiming for a place in the Auroras Performance Crew in the Senior B category. He will compete with five clubmates in Saturday's Region v Region regatta at Sydney International Regatta Centre.
