THE NAMBUCCA Valley has a rich and hard earned tradition of punching above its weight in the sports world and three local girls have added to that story.
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Lucy Spain, Millie Edwards and Leah Pickvance are just back after shining at the Pacific School Games in Adelaide – an international event showcasing 11 sports.
Swimmers Millie and Leah were eye-catching in their respective events. Millie emerged from the pool with two silver medals and a bronze while Leah won a gold, a silver and a bronze.
Leah’s gold came in the girls 10 years 4x50m freestyle relay (which set an Australian record).
Lucy too came home with treasure, a silver medal as part of the NSW 15 years and under touch football side.
The journey to the State side was long and with special challenges for a young girl from the country.
The selection process involved graduation from a school side (Bishop Druitt College at Coffs Harbour) through to North Coast Independent Schools, then to State Combined Independent Schools and finally, a tournament at Narrabeen against Combined High Schools and Combined Catholic Schools.
The reward for the 15-year-old Valla Beach product was selection in the NSW side, and a ticket to the Pacific Games, which included State sides and representation from nine countries overseas.
The nemesis for the NSW touch side was Queensland, as the blues dropped only one match in their pool games.
The two giants met again in the gold medal match, and NSW led 2-nil at halftime before the northerners flashed home to get the result 4-2.
The experience was wonderful for the Year 10 student, as the Pacific Games also showcased culture with its own opening ceremony and athletes in national dress.
“It was really good playing with heaps of new people, and learning different skills,” Lucy told the Guardian.
Despite the success, she remains grounded, and appreciative of those like the Macksville Falcons who have helped and coached her along the way.
“I’d also like to say thank you to everyone who supported a trivia night fundraiser,” Lucy said.
She said the goal for 2018 was to continue to enjoy touch football, and perhaps make another Pacific Games which are held every two years.