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PCA Announces National Award Winners for 2020
A coach who created online competitions and drop-in education sessions, a Club that built strong community and business partnerships, and a rider who represented Australia in China are among the winners of the annual PCA National Awards for 2020.
In a first for Pony Club Australia, the Riders of the Year, and Coach, Volunteer and Club of the Year have been announced online, in a presentation unfolding like a TV awards ceremony.
PCA Board Chair Heather Disher, in lockdown in Victoria, hosted the event and celebrated both the finalists and winners.
The awards acknowledge the best achievements, dedication and service by riders, coaches, volunteers and Club. With over 800 Clubs and 40,000 members, competition is always keen.
Pony Club Australia CEO Dr Catherine Ainsworth said the annual awards are not just about achievement. “It’s about participation, citizenship, giving back to Pony Club and showing initiative,” she said.
Award judges included two former three day event Olympians, both of whom started their riding careers in Pony Club. Atlanta gold medallist Wendy Schaeffer and Beijing silver medallist Megan Jones. They were impressed by the good governance and level of commitment shown by nominated Pony Clubs and members.
This year, three of the awards went to Tasmanian nominations, from strong fields in all categories.
The winners are:
Best achievement by a rider aged 12 years and under
Chloe Daun, Huntingfield Pony Club, TAS
Best achievement by a rider aged 13-17 years
Holly Pulford, Murrumbateman Pony Club, NSW
Best achievement by a rider aged 18-25 years
Sarah Gant, Hendra Pony Club, Queensland
The Kay Irving Award for Coach of the Year
Rachael Edwards, Seville Pony Club, Victoria
Volunteer of the Year (joint winners)
Erin Hunn, Hobart and Districts Pony Club, Tasmania and
Lois Dawes, Babinda and District Pony Club, Queensland
Club of the Year
Lilydale District Pony Club, Tasmania
You can also watch the awards ceremony here:
https://tinyurl.com/PCANationalAwards2020
More information:
Dr Catherine Ainsworth
CEO, Pony Club Australia
M: 0438 174 222
E: ceo@ponyclubaustralia.com.au
Bronwyn Wheatley
Marketing and Development Officer, Pony Club Australia
M: 0423 823 190
E: marketing@ponyclubaustralia.com.au
