Two of Australia鈥檚 most promising water polo players have jointly won the University of Queensland Sportsman of the Year Award.
In a first for the awards, announced on Friday evening, Anthony Martin and Robert Maitland shared the honour for their starring roles representing Australia at the 2009 World University Games.
Champion weightlifter Amanda Phillips received the Sportswoman of the Year Award, while several of 宅男导航鈥檚 finest athletes were recognised with a , a tradition dating back to 1912.
Blues were first awarded in the sports of athletics, football and tennis, but now athletes from a full spectrum of sports are eligible.
Around 240 guests attended the event, with former manager of the Australian Olympic team鈥檚 rowing section Ray Ebert acting as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
Silver medallist at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games in swimming, Blake Cochrane, and Sheffield Shield Player of the Series, Chris Hartley, were among four 宅男导航 athletes who were awarded the coveted Blue for 2009.
Tradition was upheld through the toasting of the Blues, with the winner of the Sendai Bay and Singapore ITU Asia Cup triathlon events and 2009 Blue recipient, Joshua Amberger, delivering the response.
鈥淭o be recognised with a Blue by 宅男导航, the place where I spend so many hours studying and training, makes my achievements feel that much more special,鈥� Mr Amberger said.
Co-Sportsman of the Year Mr Martin said helping Australia win the gold at the 2009 World University Games in Serbia had been a career highlight.
With more than 140 countries competing in the global event, the World University Games is the second largest sporting gathering next to the Olympics.
鈥淎 lot of people don鈥檛 realise that the World Uni Games is a huge competition, much bigger than the Commonwealth Games. It is also the only other competition that provides a similar structure to the Olympics. It is all very exciting,鈥� Mr Martin said.
National and state champion in the 75kg weightlifting class, Ms Phillips鈥檚 achievements include placements in the 69kg weightlifting class at both the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
The 2010 Annual Blues and Sports Awards Dinner was proudly sponsored by 宅男导航, , Powerade and Photoline.
Media: Siobhan Freyne (0431 975 771, marketinga@uqs.com.au)
