Paralympian to impart pearls of wisdom at sports awards

Albany-bred Paralympian Brant Garvey has been announced as the keynote speaker for the 2016 Wellington and Reeves Albany Sportsperson of the Year Awards later this month.

The gala presentation and dinner will be at Albany Entertainment Centre on Friday, March 24, recognising Albany’s sporting stars of 2016.

The above-knee amputee and Australian para-triathlete reached the Rio Paralympics last year, producing a top-10 finish despite being struck down with injury.

Garvey led at the first transition after the swim leg in the P2 para-triathlon final at Copacabana beach before aggravating an adductor in his good leg but battled on.

The Albany Sportsperson of the Year awards, sponsored also by the Albany Advertiser, is in its 44th year of recognising the outstanding performance and overall contribution of local athletes to their sport.

Winners will be announced in junior, senior and veteran categories before an overall winner is judged as the Albany Sportsperson of the Year.

Last year, shooter Steve Hurley became the first multiple winner of Albany’s highest individual sporting honour when he claimed his second overall Albany Sportsperson of the Year title.

Hurley, who also claimed the senior title for an unprecedented seventh time, edging out junior winner cyclist Craig Wiggins and veteran triathlete Dermot Buckley.

Tickets are on sale for $70 at Albany Entertainment Centre and include entry, canapes, a main meal and dessert and the chance to hear Garvey speak on his journey to the Paralympics.