Panozzo in line for state award

Horsham teenager Sabian Panozzo is in contention for a share of a Team of the Year award at next week’s Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Awards, VDSR, in Melbourne.

Panozzo is a member of the Victorian seven-a-side cerebral palsy soccer team, and last year competed at National Cerebral Palsy Football Championships in Sydney.

The Victorian cerebral palsy soccer team is one of three teams nominated for Team of the Year.

The others are the ICEROOS – the Australian men’s para ice hockey team – and the INAS Australian Half Marathon Team.

The VDSR awards are in their 10th year and celebrate the achievements of sportspeople with disability and the coaches, officials, volunteers and organisations that support them.

Panozzo and the rest of the Victorian team were nominated for outstanding results including a runner-up finish at the National Cerebral Palsy Football Championships and having three players selected to represent Australia at Asia-oceania Championships. Players were also recognised for being supportive and respectful of each other and their coaches and showing dedication in their training.

Disability Sport and Recreation chief executive Richard Amon said all nominees showed outstanding character and dedication.

“Our awards showcase the outstanding contribution that both individuals and our community make, to empower Victorians with disability to get active and achieve their goals,” he said.

“Each year we see new athletes emerge, incredible new initiatives and more organisations changing or building sporting infrastructure that is accessible.”