And this year Sharni’s sporting achievements have

been further boosted with the title of the Nambucca Shire Junior Sportsperson – Female – of the Year.

When 17-year-old Sharni learned of her win she was both surprised and excited.

“It is a great honour to be named the top sportsperson in the Valley,” Sharni said.

Sharni plans to continue her love affair with sport this year studying sports science at university.

The course will enable Sharni to become either a

personal trainer or work in the fitness industry.

Sharni has been training at both the Macksville and

Nambucca Heads pools and represents the Mingara Aquatic Centre on the Central Coast.

During the past six years she has competed at CHS (combined high schools), allschools, national and the Pacific School Games for swimming, cross country and

discuss events.

While her brother, sixteen-year-old Beau Tape is continuing what has become a family tradition – being

named the shire’s junior sportsperson - male - of

the year.

The Bowraville all-rounder is following in both his younger and older sisters’ footsteps.

Fourteen-year-old Alina was named Nambucca Shire’s

Junior Sportsperson of the Year – female two years ago, while 17-year-old Sharni was given the title this

year.

A Year-11 student at Macksville High School, Beau said he was very honoured with the title.

“This is a pretty exciting win,” Beau said.

Last year Beau competed at the CHS and All-Schools events cross country, athletics and netball.

Beau qualified for CHS swimming, but broke his arm a week before competition and was forced to withdraw.

He was placed fifth in the 800m and third in the two kilometre steeple chase event at the CHS athletics,

while his netball team was fifth in the CHS competition.

In the All-Schools steeple chase he gained a fifth and

fourth place.

He also plays rugby league for Bowraville and basketball for Coffs Harbour.

In March Beau will compete at the junior and youth games in Sydney. While he has another two years high school education, Beau would love to continue with sports on a professional level.