Broome’s best of best honoured

As local sports begin to wind down for 2019, Broome’s sporting clubs gathered at the Broome Civic Centre to recognise the best of the best and engage in some friendly banter.

The Shire of Broome Sports Awards took place on Saturday, acknowledging the achievements of the town’s sporting community throughout the year.

Broome Speedway’s Jeff Steele was the big winner, beating an impressive field including Jude Millard, Dion Parriman, and Angelo Thomas to take home the sports star of the year award.

In his speech, Mr Steele said he was “blown away” by the win and said all of the other nominees “rock” in their respective sports.

“I can’t believe this,” he said.

“Most of all, I’d like to thank Broome Speedway. We’re going into our 50th year next year and I’ve been lucky enough to be a member for the last 23 years.

“It’s more than a club, it’s my family, it’s my best friends and it’s my whole life.”

Although he wasn’t at the ceremony, Jesse Evans would have felt the love after he was named rising sports star.

Things continued to look up for the Broome Jets as Matty Corpus took home coach of the year and Patrick Moase won official of the year and got a special birthday celebration.

Broome Junior Cricket also had a good night when their under-14 country week squad were named team of the year, while association president Lynton Phillipson was acknowledged for his longstanding service to sport.

But the highlight of the night was a standing ovation for former Broome Sports Association president Paul White, who received the Brett Claudius special recognition award.

After an impassioned speech by president Mike Doyle, Paul White said he was “shocked and humbled” to receive the award.

“There was a lot of passion in Mike’s speech because he’s got that passion for Broome sport, I’ve got that passion and I think most of the people in this room have that passion as well and it’s a special thing to have,” he said.

“The community is, majority of sport, and we come together in sport and whichever sport it is we all back each other and it really gives this town a sense of community.”

Louise Lydeamore was named volunteer of the year, while Broome Squash Club were named club of the year.

Looma Lady Eagles’ Cindy Pindan took out the remote community award, and Broome ATI Martial Arts won the outstanding achievement award.