Former Olympic softballer, Stacey Porter, 23 of Stanhope Gardens is the 2005 Blacktown City Sportsperson of the Year, it was announced by the Mayor of Blacktown, Councillor Leo Kelly, OAM at the 2005 Blacktown City Sports Awards Gala Presentation at Rooty Hill RSL, last Friday night, February 23, 2006.

The 2005 Awards season attracted 37 nominees for the Coach of the Year, Team of the Year, Under 12 Encouragement Award, Sports Administrator of the Year and the 2005 Sportsperson of the Year Award.

Stacey Porter was acknowledged as Sports Person of the Year for her outstanding commitment and achievements in softball, having represented Australia in her sport. Stacey has competed in numerous competitions such as the Pacific Rim Tournament in Seattle USA, Canada Cup and the USA Women's Professional League. In 2005, Stacey was named Australian Female Softballer of the Year.

Other award winners on the night included;

2005 Blacktown City Under 12 Encouragement Award;

John Tapuaiga - Rugby League, Rugby Union and Athletics

Josephine Kilititi - Athletics

Madison McCooey - Cricket

2005 Blacktown City Sports Administrator of the Year

Ron Keys - Treasurer of Doonside Little Athletics

2005 Blacktown City Sports Coach of the Year

Margaret Williams - Ten Pin Bowling, Mt Druitt AMF Bowling Centre

2005 McDonald's Blacktown City Sports Team of the Year

Hills Sports High School - Open Girls Soccer Team

At the presentation, nominees, winners and family heard from one of Australia's successful swimmers, Chris Fydler, OAM who encouraged everyone to always achieve their very best.

"Congratulations to all our winners, and of course to the outstanding nominees in each category. The diversity of sporting talent that abounds in our City is an inspiration to the community", Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Leo Kelly, OAM said.

The 2006 Blacktown City Sports Awards season is now open. Nomination forms can be found on Council's website www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au or by phoning Council on 9839 6000.

"If you know someone who excels at sport, or a coach that keeps your team on that winning streak, then I encourage you to nominate them for the 2006 Sports Awards, so they can receive the recognition they deserve," Mayor Kelly, OAM said.