Scotch College Year 9 student Tara Ridgway has won an Australian Government Sport Achievement Award for her accomplishments on the netball court. The award recognises outstanding sporting performances, achievements and contributions by community members.

In 2006 Tara was selected in the U13 South Australian Uniting Church Netball team and with her team attended the Combined Australian Netball Association Carnival on the Gold Coast.

Following the carnival, Tara was selected for the championship team, and also as captain of the touring team which travelled to New Zealand in May this year. The team won every game during the tour, including a tri-series against a local U15 team.

Cheryl Bauer, Head of Middle School at Scotch College, was impressed with Tara’s achievements and nominated her for the award.

“Tara’s leadership skills are excellent and are evident in all areas of her life. She has been a House Captain and Student Representative Council member in the Scotch College Middle School, and is currently planning an event for young people to raise funds for drought-stricken farming families,” Mrs Bauer said.  

“This is an outstanding achievement and Tara’s involvement in netball at this higher level has given her the opportunity to represent her state and country, clearly demonstrating the benefits of playing sport.”