Hockey sharpshooter Tim is 2015-16 Sports Star of Year
RYDE-Hunters Hill hockey sensation Tim Brand was crowned 2015–16 TWT Club Six/Ryde Sports Foundation Sports Star of the Year at a Gala Presentation Dinner last Friday night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
The gun 17 year old forward, who helped the Panthers capture the Sydney Premier League first grade hockey premiership last season, is tipped to represent Australia at the Junior Hockey World Cup U/21 championships to be staged in India from December 1-11.
His goal scoring prowess and athleticism on the hockey field has come under the scrutiny of national selectors, who were quick to name the Ryde sharpshooter in the NSW Futures squad.
Brand turned in skilful performances for Australia in the Junior World Cup qualifying series against New Zealand on the Gold Coast where he netted crucial goals in a victory clean-sweep.
He is pictured holding the Ross Horner Mayoral Trophy on stage alongside Bennelong MP and Australian tennis legend John Alexander with Grand Finalists Ben Stevanovic (rugby league), Cameron Nicholls (touch football), Georgia Winkcup (athletics) who received the Club Six Encouragement Award, Sophie Katchigian (rhythmic gymnastics), Maddie Wunsch (swimming), Tim Heyes (field athletics) and Amy Sommerville (netball).
Also on stage are North Ryde RSL Community Club president and Ryde Sports Foundation executive member Barry Herbert with RSF secretary Kim Clayton, TWT Sports Editor and RSF executive member Chris Karas, Royal Rehab Return2Sport Achievement Award recipients Kevin Luu, Erik Horrie with daughter Maddison and son Lewis and Kaitlyn Brown, Ryde City Council Deputy Mayor Roy Maggio, Ryde MP Victor Dominello, Australian Olympic Committee Vice President Helen Brownlee OAM, Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club director Dennis Petkovich, Gladesville RSL Club president John Lumley, Ryde City Clr Justin Li, RSF chairman Jim Hull, Gladesville Sporties director Graeme Long and Grand Finalists Alex Lee (table tennis), Nathan Barbieri (golf), Liam Scott (tennis) and Sam Fricker (diving).
Seated is Paralympic swimmer and gold medalist Prue Watt with Royal Rehab Media & Communications Manager and RSF committeeman Jim Towers and Paralympic wheelchair legends Louise Sauvage and David Hall.
Ryde Athletics Centre’s talented athlete Georgia Winkcup received the Club Six Encouragement Award for her outstanding performances on the running track.
Winkcup, who is the reigning Oceania Junior 3000m steeplechase and 1500m champion, will represent Australia at the World IAAF U/20 Athletics Championships in Poland during July. TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.
More good news about Tim: Star Panthers trio in Australian hockey squads!