David Gillespie (Lyne, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I would like to extend my best wishes to Oxley Island local Sui Watts, who's preparing for the 2024 open European equestrian championships, to be held in the UK, in July. Sui's the reigning world champion in dressage for riders with an intellectual disability, and, if it all goes well in July, she will be looking to compete at the Paralympics. Ever since she attended the 2000 Paralympics in Sydney, Sui has had her sights set on competing for herself and representing her country. Sui's parents have nurtured her dream with the purchase of a dressage pony and recruitment of a coach, Nell Marshman, from Upper Lansdowne. This July, in France, Sui will ride on borrowed horses, which is an extremely challenging task, especially when she is only allowed to have two rides on the horses before the championship. Whatever the outcome, Sui, you are a champion regardless, and I personally wish you the very best of luck.

I'd also like to wish Stroud local Mary Ann Russell a very happy—wait for it; drumroll—105th birthday. Mary was born on 21 May 1919 and recently celebrated her milestone at the Stroud Country Club surrounded by her family and friends. Could you make sure you send some of what you've been eating and drinking our way!

I'd like to give congratulations to motocross rider Bradley Rayner, who's been crowned Gloucester's Sports Star of the Year for 2023. Bradley had an outstanding 2023. He competed in both the New South Wales and the Australian off-road championship titles in the J3 division, which is for 13- to 15-year-olds. He received a first overall in the J3 division in the NSW Off-Road Championships. He was also Australian off-road champion in the J3 division and first overall in the J3 division at the New South Wales Enduro Championships. He was first at Hastings Valley Motorcycle Club in the 125cc junior titles and the 250cc titles. He was Motorcycling New South Wales Junior Enduro rider of the year.

Other winners on the awards night were Kelly Rees from rugby union, Joan Ridgeway for bowls, Barrington Public School's state soccer team, Gloucester Cockies Women's 10s rugby union team, coach Julian Schneider for little athletics, match official Danielle Channon in netball, club administrator Trudy Schultz for soccer and para athlete Mia Wall from Barrington Public School. Julian Schneider in little athletics, Joe White in rugby league and Tony Easton in cricket were all recognised for their long involvement in Gloucester sport, and Damian Martin was inducted into the Gloucester Sports Committee's Hall of Fame for his local, national and international contributions to basketball. Congratulations and well done to all the recipients.

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