Karate instructor, swimmer achievements recognised

The City of Kwinana recently held its annual Sports Person of the Year Awards, with Shane Haebick and Ethan McAleese taking out the two major awards.

Eleven people were nominated for their outstanding achievements and commitment to sport in the community, with Haebick crowned Sports Person of the Year.

A member of the Go-Kan-Ryu Karate Club in Kwinana, Haebick’s success came through his work as an instructor and his ability in helping members both young and old develop their skills.

The 23-year-old said his success came as a real surprise.

“It was exciting — I’d never been nominated for something like this before,” Haebick said.

“I was nominated by a couple of my students so I didn’t expect it.”

Seventeen-year-old Ethan took home the Junior Sports Person of the Year award.

A swimmer with the Rockingham Swimming Club, Ethan has represented WA and Australia on the international stage, including a successful appearance with the national team at the 2017 Junior Commonwealth Games in the Bahamas.

City of Kwinana mayor Carol Adams said the awards gave the community the chance to recognise and praise the achievements of those making a difference through sport. “Congratulations to Shane and Ethan on their well-deserved awards,” she said.

“Your achievements and contributions have been fittingly recognised by the City and we certainly wish you both all the very best for your future sporting endeavours.”