The awards and rewards keep coming for inspirational Titans forward Luke Douglas who picked up the Sports Achievement award at the City of Gold Coast’s Australia Day Awards last night.
The award criteria recognises a committed sportsperson, coach, administrator or official whose actions inspire and encourage others in the community, through sport.
Douglas was honoured enough to be counted amongst the finalists but was truly humbled to take out the award.
Luke said, “It was great being up there amongst some amazing people who are wonderful contributors to our community and people who give so much. It’s such a great city to be able to live in and I really enjoy giving back as I am sure my fellow finalists do.”
It was Luke’s second major community award after winning the NRL’s Ken Stephen Medal, an honour bestowed upon the game’s best off-field ambassador. And while this honour was still sports related, the difference this time was being selected by community representatives outside of Luke’s profession of Rugby League.
“I’m lucky enough to be a part of a great club in the Titans which has such an amazing community focus. All the activities and areas the club gets involved in provide an awesome platform for us players to be able to contribute. I really enjoy this aspect of what I do and I will keep doing it.”
An organisation that Dougie has spent a great deal of time with, is Down Syndrome Association Queensland (DSAQ) and he paid tribute to them in particular DSAQ Volunteer Cally Ward. Cally works tirelessly to promote the organisation and the good work that they do and her Down Sydnrome daughter Sarah assisted with the presentation of Luke’s award.
“Cally is an inspiration in the work she does at Elanora State School and for DSAQ. It is a privilege to be able to help her attract exposure to the organisation and assist where I can. All she wants to do is give DS kids opportunity and I think she does an awesome job with that. I’d also like to thank Titans Game and Community Manager Renee Cohen who supports me in my efforts to do community work – and for that I am grateful.”
This year has started exactly how last year ended for the Ken Stephen Medalist who also won the coveted Paul Broughton Medal when he was judged best on field in 2015.
The Titans Learning Centre also received an honourable mention during the Ceremony.
Australia Day Awards Program
The City of Gold Coast’s Australia Day Awards program recognises and honours the outstanding achievement of individuals and groups within our community who are worthy of recognition for helping to make our city a better place to live.
The Awards identify excellence in sporting, environmental and cultural endeavours, as well as naming the Gold Coast Citizen of the Year and Gold Coast Young Citizen of the Year.
