Last week, SERAS presented Turi the trophy as the SERAS athlete of the year for 2015. 

Organisers said it was a high note for the academy’s hockey program to see the top award go to a very worthy young student. 

“2015 was an amazing year for Turi and as you can imagine, I am a very proud mum,” Suzie Hides said after the presentation. 

“[He’s had] highlights making the NSW Blues team and the ACT schoolboys team and then presented this award today.”

As Turi built his game and made selections in sides, the family would travel up to 800km round trips for training sessions in Wollongong and Sydney. 

Suzie said selection in the state squad was a just reward for Turi’s ongoing efforts, which included training on tennis courts to stay familiar with synthetic turf surfaces. 

But to win athlete of the year was just a cherry on top for Turi’s year and thrilled his family. 

“He has developed his hockey skills and such a love for the game.”

“I just wanted to say thank you to everyone at Pambula Thunder Hockey Club and Sapphire Coast Hockey for all the support and encouragement you have given to Turi over the years,” Suzie said. 

Officials said Turi had been part of the SERAS program for two years and had an incredible work rate on developing and honing his skills in that time. 

During 2015 Turi’s hard work paid off with selection into the in the U15 Boys NSW Blues team for the national Championships in Hobart, Tasmania.

Turi has also been invited as a member of the under 16 NSW Bush Ranger tour of Japan and Singapore from April 11-24 this year.

“This tour will give Turi an opportunity to experience hockey at a high level while developing his play and teamwork skills,” a spokesman for SERAS said. 

The spokesman said the athlete of the year award is presented to the athlete that demonstrates their commitment and desire to reach the elite level of their sport, while respecting others and learning how to manage themselves. in an appropriate manner. 

This includes talking with sponsors, sporting officials and others. 

The spokesman said Turi was selected from more than 70 hopefuls across the SERAS programs and was presented his award by Bega Valley Mayor Michael Britten, councillor Liz Seckold and SERAS chairman Mick Mayhew. 

Turi is still building his hockey career and there are plenty of opportunities for the determined player. “I’m looking forward to seeing what his next hockey adventure will be,” Suzie said.