2011 Jim Bacon Memorial Award
The Jim Bacon Memorial Award for a young athlete with a disability who has displayed sportsmanship and a spirit of fun in their sporting endeavours was presented by Premier Lara Giddings to a plucky Katherine Symons, who participates in gymnastics, swimming, basketball,and athletics.
Katherine then offered a few words of thanks, a daunting task for many, but Catherine spoke with courage and aplomb.
2010 Jim Bacon Memorial Award
Twenty year old MATTHEW BOWEN from Deloraine was presented with the 2010 JIM BACON MEMORIAL AWARD by Premier David Bartlett, for a young athlete with a disability who has displayed sportsmanship and a spirit of fun in their sporting endeavours.
Matthew participates in the sports of Tenpin and Golf.
He has been a member of Special Olympics Tasmania in the North Region for the past 4 years and has participated in every competition available in his chosen sports, succeeding regularly in bagging many gold medals.
Living at Deloraine he travels to Launceston for training sessions at least twice a week.
He is an eager and hardworking athlete who always shows great respect for, and a willingness to learn from his coaches, always striving to better his skills and game.
Matt is an inspiration to both those he competes with and against – a true team player who obviously enjoys every moment in his chosen sports.
Born with Fragile X Syndrome Matt hides his passion for sport behind his quiet unassuming nature.