Aquis Gold Coast Titans player Kane Elgey has tonight received the Gold Coast’s ‘Youth Citizen of the Year’ award at the 2017 Australia Day Awards event.
Elgey was nominated for the award by Mayor Tom Tate after he noticed the large amount of community work the 22-year-old had participated in throughout 2016.
The Tugun junior was sidelined throughout 2016 due to a knee injury but made it a priority to use the time off the field to help and visit as many people as he could in the community.
This award follows Elgey receiving the 2016 ‘Preston Award’ at the Titans Annual Presentation Night that is given to the individual who shows the greatest characteristics of the ultimate teammate or clubman.
“I’m a bit speechless to be honest,” Elgey said.
“You don’t do these things to win awards but to be recognised is something I’m extremely proud of.
“I really wanted to focus on doing the community work in the area I grew up in and I honestly found it extremely rewarding. I obviously want to get back and play consistent footy this season but I’m going to make sure that I still get out and do as much as I can.”
Titans Community Manager Renee Cohen said a lot of the work Elgey did was actually arranged by him.
“Kane is a great young kid and it’s a pleasure to work with him,” Cohen said.
“He constantly made himself available for a large amount of community work and showed an outstanding attitude at all club events and remained a positive influence around the squad.”
Elgey’s 2016 Community Highlights and Statistics:
- Working closely with development staff to deliver educational programs in schools.
- Volunteered to attend assemblies at his former primary school (Currumbin).
- Tugun Seahawks Ambassador (Former JRL club)
- Attended South coast and Schoolboy Rep trials.
- Volunteered to attend a long term disabled supporters 21st Birthday
- Works closely with GOLDOC and Gold Coast City Council to promote 2018 Com Games to international business leaders.
- White Ribbon Stand Up ‘Voice Against Violence’ Paddle Boarding Event
- Player Appearances: 46
- Hours: 72
Community Career Statistics
313 School Visits
55 Junior Club Visits
788 Hours Spent in the Community