Thursday 8 November 2007

The Minister for Sport and Recreation, Graham West, and Mr Grahame Fear today presented 19-year-old sailor Ame Barnbrook of Narooma with the inaugural Sue Fear Award for Courage and Achievement and a cheque for $500.

The Sue Fear Award commemorates Australia's leading woman mountaineer who died while climbing on Mount Manaslu in Nepal in 2006. The award was created by Womensport and Recreation NSW to recognise a girl or woman athlete who has overcome daunting obstacles.

The $500 was donated by the Fear family as part of the award.

Mr West said Ame Barnbrook is an inspiring inaugural winner.

Ame was born without limbs except for part of one leg with a small foot and three toes.

"Ame began sailing aged seven with special servo assist controls. At eight, she announced that she would one day sail in the Olympics," Mr West said.

"Now a skilful sailor, she hopes to be selected for the Australian Paralympic Sailing Team in the 2008 Paralympic Games.

"I wish Ame the very best and congratulate her on this recognition of her dedication and hard work. I also congratulate the other sportswomen who were nominated. All of them express Sue Fear's passion for challenging herself to achieve great things."

The presentation took place at the 2007 Sydney Schoolgirls' Breakfast with the Stars, hosted by Womensport and Recreation NSW. The breakfast was attended by more than 650 high school girls from across the State and by top sportswomen including Kerri Pottharst (beach volleyball), Elka Graham (swimming), Amy Winters (Paralympics athletics), Kylie Gauci (Paralympics basketball) and Kate and Alex Blackwell (cricket).

"The establishment of the Sue Fear Award enhances the role of the Schoolgirls Breakfast as a superb forum for girls to meet and share the experiences of high profile sportspeople, athletes, coaches, officials and sports administrators," Mr West said.

"Congratulations to Womensport and Recreation NSW and the Fear Family for inaugurating this award.

"I want to quote Sue Fear's own words in urging everyone here today to 'follow your dreams, do what you love doing, stay in your sport-hard work and determination will fulfil your dreams'."