The Shooting Australia Awards of Excellence took place at the newly redeveloped Belmont Shooting Complex in Queensland on Sunday 3rd December. This event acknowledged the past year’s achievements from High Performance Athletes, Coaches and Volunteers, and saw the Ashley Adams Perpetual Trophy awarded to the Athlete of the Year.
Penny Smith SWAS Clay Target Shooting Coach was awarded the 2017 Female Shooter of the Year Award. Penny was also the 2017 winner of the overall Athlete of the Year Award taking home the Ashley Adams Perpetual Trophy. She was recognized as the best and fairest athlete of 2017 as voted upon by Aiming4Gold squad athletes.
Penny said she has “certainly had one Stella year so far.” “I’ve worked hard at my Shooting all year and it’s good to be getting results” “It was a pleasure to be awarded female shooter of the year but it was like the icing on the cake to be awarded athlete of the year out of all ISSF Shooting.” She said.
Penny explained “The Ashley Adams awarded is like the Brownlow of Shooting.” “Winning the awards was fantastic, and it’s as much special to me as it is to my family.” Next for Penny is the waiting game to see if she qualifies and makes the 2018 Commonwealth Games team.
Penny Smith is the SWAS Shooting Coach for 2018. We are currently seeking expression of interest for shooters striving for sporting excellence aged between 13 and 18. If you’re interested or want more information please contact Administration and Athlete Liaison Emma Bellman by calling 5564 8567 or email emma.bellman@swtafe.vic.edu.au. You can also click on /academy-sports/claytargetshooting/ for more information.