An award-winning water polo player and an internationally recognised para-swimmer have been honoured at the annual 2019 Curtin Sport Awards.
Para-swimmer Ben Popham, who is studying a Bachelor of Public Relations and Marketing at Curtin, was named Curtin’s Sportsman of the Year, and Zoe Arancini, who is studying a Bachelor of Health Sciences, was named Sportswoman of the Year.
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry congratulated all the recipients who were recognised at the annual awards.
“In the past 12 months, Ben Popham has continued to rise through the world Para Swimming ranks, now sitting in the top three worldwide. Ben has continued to build on his successes in 2019, winning three medals, including one silver and two bronze, at the recent World Para Swimming Championships in London,” Professor Terry said.
“Zoe Arancini was instrumental in the Aussie Stingers 2019 FINA World Championship bronze medal match, scoring three crucial goals to beat Hungary and being named the Most Valuable Player of the match. Zoe was also awarded the Debbie Watson Medal for the Most Valuable Player in this year’s Australian Water Polo League season.
“The Curtin Sport Awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the University’s elite athletes who have continued to make significant achievements within their sporting field. I would like to congratulate both Ben and Zoe, along with the other deserving winners, who were honoured at the awards last night.”
Curtin University Hockey Club was awarded both the Sports Club Excellence Award and the Sports Club Community Award, which recognises a club’s commitment to providing benefit to the local or wider community.
The 2019 Curtin University Sport Awards were held at the University’s Perth Campus on Wednesday, November 6 2019.
Further information on the Curtin Stadium and the Elite Athlete Program can be found online here.
