By Julie Ryan

Blacktown City’s sporting community came together to celebrate its finest athletes, coaches, volunteers and clubs at the annual Blacktown City Sports Awards, with boxer Tyrell Adams taking home the night’s highest honour, Sportsperson of the Year.

Adams, who trains with Boxfit Windsor, said he was “incredibly honoured and humbled” to receive the award, describing the recognition from his local community as one of the proudest moments of his career.

“While boxing is my passion, this award represents so much more than what happens inside the ring,” Adams said.

“It reflects the values I always try to live by – hard work, discipline, respect, resilience and giving back to the community that has supported me from day one.”

Adams paid tribute to his family, coaches, teammates, sponsors, workplace and supporters, saying their belief had helped shape him into not only a better athlete but a better person.

“This recognition only motivates me to work even harder. The mission remains the same to represent my family, my culture, my community and Australia with pride every time I step into the ring,” he said.

The awards showcased the depth of sporting talent across Blacktown, recognising achievements across a wide range of sports and categories.

Among the major winners, Donna Dhu from Doonside Little Athletics was named Administrator of the Year, while The Ponds Parkrun claimed Club of the Year. Greg Smith from Speedcity Athletics Club was recognised as Coach of the Year.

In the athlete categories, Diesel Thompson was named Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Disability, while Chloe Osborn received the Senior Disability Sportsperson of the Year award.

Jessica Middleton from Eagles Softball Club was awarded Female Junior Sportsperson of the Year, with Benjamin Spadaro taking out the Male Junior Sportsperson of the Year title.

Elliana Henderson from Blacktown City Netball Association was recognised as Referee/Umpire of the Year, while the Blacktown Under-18 Female Brewer Shield Cricket Team was named Team of the Year.

Volunteer of the Year honours went to Cynthia Morrison from Didjurigur Netball Club in recognition of her outstanding contribution to community sport.

The annual awards celebrate the dedication, commitment and success of Blacktown’s sporting community, recognising not only elite performances but also the coaches, volunteers and administrators whose efforts help local sport thrive. With athletes such as Tyrell Adams leading the way, the future of sport in Blacktown continues to look exceptionally bright.