2003 Bass Coast Sportsperson Of The YearMark Rowe from Almurta was today presented with the 2003 Bass Coast Sports Person of the Year Award By Carol McCormack - 3rd February 2003 - Back to News Mark Rowe from Almurta was today presented with the 2003 Bass Coast Sports Person of the Year Award.
"Mark is an excellent athlete who has taken pride in representing Bass Coast in his sporting endeavors," said Cr John Gains, Mayor of Bass Coast Shire Council. "His many awards and his perseverance to excel in athletics make him the ideal person to receive the 2003 Bass Coast Sportsperson of the Year award."
Mark’s most recent victory was in December 2002 and January 2003 when he travelled to Malaysia to compete in three road races. Mark came first in all three events, which varied in distance from three to five kilometres.
In 2001 Mark travelled to Canada to compete in Canada’s two biggest annual track events – the Jack Brow Memorial Meet and the Trevor Craven Memorial Meet. He won gold medals in the 1,500 and 3,000 metres, as well as silver in the 3,000 metre steeplechase. In the same year Mark competed in the middle distance events at the Stawell Gift.
In 2000 he represented South Gippsland at the Victorian Athletics Titles. It was the first time Mark had competed in the steeplechase event and he came third. Mark also displayed prowess in the pool, as a member of the 50m freestyle relay team that placed third at the State Championship.
Mark competed at the Victorian Athletics Titles in 1998 where he placed fourth in the 1,500 metres.
When he was only 14 years old Mark represented Victoria at the National Cross Country Trials in Adelaide. He competed in the under 17 age group and was placed in the top twenty runners in Australia.
"The remarkable thing about Mark’s sporting achievements is that he has done most of his training alone," said Deb Jordan from Harmony Health and Fitness, who nominated Mark for the award. "I think this shows Mark’s talent as a sportsman, and also his dedication to achieving the best he can."
Mark also played football with the Dalyston Football Team in 2002.
In accepting his award Mark thanked the local community, which has supported him throughout his sporting career. "It is an honour for me to be recognized by the Bass Coast community for my sporting achievements," said Mark. "I look forward to representing you during 2003."
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com

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