More than 200 people are expected to cram into the Armidale City Bowling Club tomorrow night for the Armidale Sports Council’s 15th annual Sports Awards.
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The achievements of the region’s top sporting stars will be recognised on the night.
Special guest for the night will be dual Olympian Youcef Abdi.
Abdi was born and raised in Algeria and came to Australia for the 1996 World Junior Championships and fell in love with the country.
He decided to stay as a refugee and changed his allegiance to Australia in 2000.
Abdi went on to represent Australia at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2012 London Games in the 3000 metre steeplechase.
He also medalled for Australia in the 1500 metres at the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games.
“We’re expecting him to be a big hit,” Armidale Sports Council president Steve McMillan said.
“He has a really great story behind him.”
Abdi will visit a number of schools tomorrow and Friday as well as meeting with the Armidale Athletics Club.
“His main aim is to meet as many kids as possible,” McMillan said.
Five categories are up for grabs on the night: junior sports star, senior sports star, junior team, senior team and contribution to sport.
McMillan said it has been a terrific year of sport in Armidale.
“Particularly in athletics, hockey and shooting,” he said.
Volunteers across all sports in Armidale will also be recognised on the night.
The awards begin at 6.30pm and tickets are $5 each or $15 for a family.
