Monash reaps rewards at VIS Awards of Excellence

Wednesday 29 April

The annual Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) Awards Night was held at the Crown Palladium, on Monday 27 April. The event was hosted by Nicole Livingston, and amongst the attendees was Victorian Minister for Sport, James Merlino.

Each year various awards are given out, the most revered being the Award of Excellence, proudly won by Olympian and World Champion swimmer Liesel Jones.

The William Angliss (ACE) Award, recognises athletes who have achieved success in their studies, career ambitions or a work setting, whilst pursuing a successful sporting career. Of the three nominees for this award, two were Monash University Students.

David Zalcberg who plays Table Tennis for Australia and has recently finished a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery at Monash took out the award ahead of Judo athlete and current Monash Law student, Catherine Arlove.

Both David and Catherine represented Australia at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. David is now working full time at the Alfred Hospital.

Monash Sport Bursary holder Jamie Huggett won a coaches award for the Sport of Triathlon. His coach Jonathon Hall spoke about Jamie's dedication to the sport, plus his commitment to his study.

Jonathon also told the 300 plus audience about the wonderful support Jamie has received from Monash University, in particular Hall mentioned “that strategic alliances with Universities are the way of the future".

Jamie commenced a Bachelor of Science at Monash University this year, and resides on campus at Monash Halls of Residence. Earlier in the year, Jamie won the 2009 2XU Australian Junior Triathlete of the Year.

Unfortunately Jamie was ill and couldn't attend the awards but this morning on a phone interview said he “was shocked and excited to win the award”.

For all media enquiries, please contact Lloyd Gordon, 9905 8818

Jamie Huggett competing in the ITU Oceania Championships earlier this year.