Landsborough twins Jack and Justin Sirre had their taekwondo talents recognised at the 2017 Australian Government Sports Awards ceremony at Beaufort on Thursday.
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The brothers were presented with the Maryborough area individual achievement primary school awards by Wannon MP Dan Tehan and ceremony guest speaker Gerard FitzGerald.
The brothers have been learning taekwondo for two years at Stawell’s Il Shim international taekwondo and have competed in nine tournaments, including the national championships at Sydney in August.
Competing in the 8-12 year old group, Jack won the patterns gold medal and silver sparring medal, taking his tally to two trophies and 13 medals.
Justin added the gold in sparring and silver in patterns to take his tally to two trophies and 10 medals.
Mr Tehan said the ceremony was a great way to appreciate the efforts of local athletes.
“The Australian Government Sport Awards present an excellent opportunity to recognise and celebrate the tremendous efforts and achievements within the Wannon sporting community,” he said.
The nine year olds were the first set of twins to win an Australian Government Sports Award.
The boys’ mother Kim Sirre said she “couldn’t be any prouder” with the efforts of her sons.
“They have put in a lot of effort into improving and getting better which has been great to see,” she said.
“They were really looking forward to and the enjoyed the day. Gerard’s speech was fantastic and both of the boys loved what he had to say.”
Sirre said she hopes the profile of taekwondo can continue to grow in the region to provide more opportunities such as the ones given to Jack and Justin.
“The sport is growing a lot – the Stawell club started with about 12 members and is now up to about 40,” she said.
“It is one of those sports that makes the people that participate better in so many ways. They learn discipline and it is also a great way to stay fit.” Ararat’s Paddy Turner was also recognised, winning the under 18 individual achievement award for the Ararat area.
