The annual Columba College Sports Awards were held on Tuesday 31st October in the Marsh Sports Centre, and the evening was a wonderful way to showcase our exceptional students who have risen to great heights in their sporting endeavours this year.

During Term 4 there is a buzz of anticipation and excitement among our community leading up to our annual Sports Awards evening, as the opportunity is presented to come together and celebrate the incredible achievements of our students. It is always an absolute privilege to hear how well our young people have done across their sporting endeavours as they represent our school, our province, and, in a large number of cases this year, our country!

Congratulations to all the students who crossed the stage on Tuesday evening to receive awards. We realise this has been a result of countless trainings, hours of commitment, and the desire to excel in the sport you love. It is an honour to be acknowledged by your coach, peers, and our school, so be proud of your achievements and continue to strive for excellence.

We were extremely privileged to have Nungshi Malik as our 2023 Sports Awards Guest Speaker. With her twin sister, Tashi, these superstar sisters are the first siblings and twins in the world to climb the Seven Summits and reach the North and South Poles. They have also completed the Adventurers Grand Slam and Three Poles Challenge. Nungshi's charismatic and inspirational delivery was eloquent, captivating, and without doubt one of the most fascinating stories we have had the privilege to hear. What an absolute honour it was to have Nungshi as part of our awards evening, and we remain humbled by her generosity in sharing her story with our community!  

We are very proud of all our prize winners and equally proud of all our students who engage in sport at Columba even though they may not have had the opportunity to cross the stage on Tuesday. Your participation in sports teams, and valued contribution to the culture of sport at Columba is hugely important to us and we thank you for being part of our collective 'Sports Team'.

Some special awards of note received on Tuesday were;

• The Natasha Young Prize for Dedication to Coaching Junior Sport: Neve & Bridgette (Year 13) 
• The Nichola Bennett Cup for Service to Coaching Junior Sport: Aliya (Year 13)
• The Emma Hunt for Excellence in a Non-School Sport: Molly (Year 13)
• Best All-Round Year 8 Sportsperson of the Year: Isabella (Year 8)
• Best Junior Sportsperson of the Year (Year 9 & 10): Kiana (Year 10)
• Sports Personality of the Year: Briar (Year 13) 
• The Ireland Cup for Integrity in Sport Award: Holly (Year 13)
• The Moore Family Trophy Impact & Leadership Award: Briar (Year 13)
• The English & Wood Cup Commitment & Dedication: Brenna (Year 13)
• The Shona Harvey Inspire and Excel Cup: Millie (Year 13)
• 2023 Columba College Team of the Year: Rowing U18 Quad 
• 2023 Standout Season Award: Senior A Netball
• 2023 Coach of the Year: Mrs Lauren Piebenga and Mrs Megan Graamans 
• Highest Sporting Achievement for 2023: Molly (Year 13)
• Runner Up Best All-Round Sportsperson of the Year: Mille (Year 13)
• Hilary Sime Cup for the Best All-Round Sportsperson of the Year: Louisa (Year 13)

Congratulations to you all on a wonderful year of sport at Columba College! We are incredibly grateful to our supportive Sports Council this year for their encouragement and hard work. Although the work they do is often done behind the scenes, the impact of their dedication, passion, and energy is evident, and we are lucky to have you on our team.

To our wonderful parents, coaches, supporters, teachers-in-charge, and management - without you, sport at Columba College would not be possible. We recognise and acknowledge that a lot of the drive, perseverance, and commitment come from outside the school gates, and we thank you for doing what you do.

Lastly, a warm round of congratulations to all our prize winners, and a heartfelt thanks to all who attended the evening on Tuesday. We now greatly look forward to another successful year of sport in 2024!