Nick Naughton recognised for Distinguished Long Service at the 2017 NSW Community Sports Awards

There was a very cool breeze blowing as Margaret and I walked up Macquarie Street from the InterContinental Hotel to Parliament House.

Successfully clearing serious security, we made our way into the historic, and impressive, building almost hiding behind the familiar “colonial” façade.

“All the way to the back, past the fountain” was the instruction. The “fountain” is a surprisingly modern creation, in a large area of water, of unknown depth.

We joined up with one of the “Paddle” representatives – Roger Deane – of Hawkesbury Classic fame, and mingled with the increasing group, standing in front of large windows, looking out to the Domain, – I was informed.

We were soon offered various refreshments and a succession of appetising and sustaining “finger foods”, which were to be our sustenance for the evening, by four diligent and capable “Interns”.

PaddleNSW CEO Peter Tate, Robert Walker, and his partner Katherine, completed the “Paddle Party” and, after an hour on our feet, we were glad to be invited into the room where the Presentations were conducted by Shannon Byrne, of ABC Grandstand, supported by Sport NSW Chairperson Joseph La Posta, and the NSW Government Representative, the Honorable Stuart Ayres MP.

There were eight categories to be decided among the many and varied Sports represented, with sixteen Awards for Distinguished Long Service from as many disciplines. A complete report is available online at Sport NSW with an incomplete number of photographs taken on the night.

As mentioned by Stuart Ayres, it was difficult to not be impressed by the dedication, tenacity, ability and length of service of the Volunteers who enable most of the Sport in NSW to flourish. Most are, or have been, active themselves, but many give their time for the benefit of others.

Margaret and I wish to thank PaddleNSW CEO Peter Tate, our Committee and Members, and Sport NSW for giving us the opportunity of a memorable experience.