A 17-year-old gymnastics superstar has been awarded the Blacktown City Sportsperson of the Year for 2021 at the City’s 39th Sports Awards.
Leium De-Roo was awarded the prestigious honour for his remarkable achievements in gymnastics, which have seen him rise to the top of the sport in NSW and Australia.
Among Leium’s achievements include first place on the rings, vault and high bar at the NSW State Championships. He has also received a podium finish at the Australian National Championships.
His dedication to the discipline is evident in his 20-plus-hours per week training regime at Sydney Gymnastic and Aquatic Centre at Rooty Hill.
Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said Leium was a deserving recipient of the award and was a wonderful role model for up-and-coming athletes in Blacktown City.
“As Mayor, I am extraordinarily proud of the outstanding sporting talent we have in Blacktown City and our long history as the sporting capital of Western Sydney,” he said.
“These awards span almost four decades and pay tribute to the wonderfully talented individuals and teams that contribute to our City’s passion for sport.
“This year, we received no less than 67 nominations across 21 different sports, which speaks to the depth of talent we have in Blacktown City.
“Congratulations to Leium and all of this year’s winners and nominees. I wish them all the very best in their future sporting endeavours.”
The Mayor’s Shield was awarded to Andrew Armitage, for his dedication as president of Prospect Little Athletics.
This award recognises an individual who has excelled at their club, made an outstanding contribution to sport over a long period of time and is deemed to be an invaluable member of their club.
Andrew has held the position as president at Prospect Little Athletics for 15 years and has been a driving force behind the growth of the club.
Under his leadership, the club has grown from a membership in the low 100s to nearly 300. He was also instrumental in securing a grant for new amenities at William Lawson Park, where the club is based.
The awards were presented at a special gala night in Marsden Park at the weekend, with international cricket legend Glenn McGrath the guest speaker.
2021 Blacktown City Sports Awards
Sportsperson of the Year: Leium De-Roo, Gymnastics
Mayor’s Shield: Andrew Armitage, Little Athletics
Junior Sportsperson: Nicolas Ballas, Trampoline/Diving
Nicolas Diaz Ballas is a 15-year-old elite trampoline gymnast, who trains 4 times a week, in addition to extra strength and conditioning sessions. He started the year by taking out gold for individual trampoline and silver for double mini trampoline at the NSW Championships in April 2021.
Club of the Year: Quakers Hill Tigers Soccer Club, Soccer
Tigers has grown to be one of the largest clubs in the Blacktown area, and keeps growing as people recommend it. When people start to ask on the social media pages which club is good for their child to join, Tigers members are always loud and proud, and that invites new members.
Team of the Year: BCDCA Arch Cawsey Shield Cricket Team, Cricket
Blacktown City and District Cricket Association U12 Arch Cawsey Shield – this team was undefeated, and bowled out every team they played against. This is the first time this has been done by any association in any age group since 2014.
Coach of the year: Belinda Cox, Gymnastics Trampolining
Belinda has coached at an Olympic level and demonstrates 100 per cent commitment to the sport, her athletes and to her members. She lives and breathes her athletes’ goals. One of her many athletes represented Australia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Volunteer of the Year: Nathan Wright, Baseball
Nathan ‘Lefty’ Wright is the heart and soul of Blacktown Workers Baseball Club. He has been at the club since he was 15 and he is now 48. From the senior players all the way down to the Under 12s team, Lefty knows the name of each and every player. He is always offering players across all the ages coaching advice on what he notices by watching each game.
Sports Official of the Year (Senior): Kristina Travers, Softball
Kristina is an umpire who is admired by the softball umpiring fraternity. Her can-do attitude and approachable nature encourage many umpires in local and state-based programs to give things a go.
Sports Official of the Year (Junior): Abby Cornish, Netball
Abby officiates at a club level and has demonstrated commitment to continuous training and learning.
Administrator of the Year: Mark Steel, Soccer
Mark has been club president of Quakers Hill Tigers Soccer Club since 2009. Despite the challenging circumstances experienced during the 2021-22 season, Mark dedicated himself to the coordination and delivery of a weekly soccer competition. He is greatly admired for his high level of passion, dedication, and commitment.
Photo: Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale (left) and cricket legend Glenn McGrath (right) present Leium De-Roo (centre) with his award for Blacktown City Sportsperson of the Year for 2021.
