Two Melton Secondary College students have taken home awards for their efforts in rugby from the 2023 Victorian School Sports Awards.
The Victorian School Sports Awards celebrate exceptional commitment and performance from Victorian school student athletes, while also recognising leadership and community contribution through participation in sport.
The 17-year-old cousins Parish Hunt and Lourdez Sakaria were both participants in Melton Secondary College’s cutting edge Rugby Academy which launched in 2022.
Parish said being a part of the academy had been a privilege, and it led to one of his sporting career highlights – playing against a New Zealand school boys’ team from Francis Douglas Memorial College.
“[Receiving the award] was an honourable experience. [I feel] very humble and grateful,” he said.
“I’d like to just thank my parents for always believing in me and encouraging me to push boundaries…”
Lourdez said that when she was 12 years old she was one of just three girls playing with the boys in her Perth league.
“The opportunities the [Rugby Academy] has provided for young females is a huge stepping stone in the right direction for girls in rugby, with more females signing up to play the sport, getting involved and showcasing their skills,” she said.
“…there is so much talent here in Victoria and to be considered for this award was an honour in itself let alone winning it. It’s a blessing that I will always be grateful for.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Education Darren Cheeseman congratulated all the nominees, parents, carers and teachers who have showed incredible commitment to quality education and excellence in sport.
