GRIFFITH’S Senior Sportsperson of the Year award has been presented to Steve McLean for his efforts in Kyokushin Karate.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
McLean trains at RMA & Total Fitness and fought in the veteran section - contact and non-contact - at the Australian Kyokushin Karate Association (AKKA) Championships.
In 2014, the 49-year-old claimed a non-contact treble, taking out the over 40s AKKA Victoria, New South Wales and national championships. He also claimed victory in the full-contact heavyweight division at the Victoria titles.
McLean beat out an impressive field, which included Australian Paralympian Joany Badenhorst, to win the senior award.
McLean said the field was packed with sporting talent and that any of the nominees could have won.
“I'm stoked. There was a lot of top-level guys there that were probably more deserving than I am,” he said.
“The nomination was enough. It's the second time I've been nominated. To win it is a pretty awesome feeling.”
However, McLean said he planned to take a step back from competition in the future.
“My fighting days are pretty much over,” he said. “Next year I'll sort of sit back and take stock. It won't be the end of my training, though.
“I'd like to thank the guys from RMA. They do a fantastic job down there. I can't recommend them highly enough.”
The Club Person of the Year award went to Griffith Swans stalwart Trevor Harrison.
Harrison has been with the Swans since 1966 when he started in the juniors. After retiring he stayed involved with the club.
Harrison has volunteered countless hours to the club he loves, filling in different roles along the way. He currently is in charge of running the Griffith Swans website.
Harrison was overjoyed with the award, saying it was one of the proudest moments of his life.
“I’ve been involved with the Swans for most of my life. I started playing in 1966 and played until the mid-1980s,” Harrison said.
“After that I just stuck around. At the moment I look after the website and keep it up to date.
“It’s probably one of the best accolades I’ve ever received along with my life membership with the Swans.
“I’ll always be involved with the club. I’ll do it until I drop.”
