19 November 2015 The 2015 Sport Achievement Awards are being hosted by the Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon, today at Nobbys Surf Life Saving Club. The Awards celebrate the success and contribution to our community of some of Newcastles most dedicated athletes, coaches, volunteers and teams.I established these awards to recognise the outstanding athletic performance by teams or individuals, as well as the outstanding contributions made by volunteers, managers and coaches to our local teams and clubs, Ms Claydon said. Playing sport keeps you physically and mentally healthy, but it also brings the community together and helps strengthen and build a more cohesive and inclusive society. Sporting Novocastrians like Mark Richards, Suzy Batkovic and Craig Johnston have dominated world sport but I believe their greatest legacy is what they have done for our community back in Newcastle - encouraging participation, healthy lifestyles and inspiring the next generation of athletes to get involved in their favourite sport. Newcastle wheelchair athlete Christie Dawes will be the guest speaker at the Awards Ceremony. Ms Dawes returns to Newcastle after finishing fourth in the New York Marathon Wheelchair Division last month. Time: 11:00am to 12:30pm Venue: Nobbys Surf Lifesaving Club Date: Thursday, 19 November