Chilli Sparke has been awared the Berrima District Junior Sportsperson of the Year award for 2019. 

The award is a great achievement by Chilli who at 12yrs old, was one of the youngest athletes to be nominated for the award. 

During 2019, Chilli not only excelled at biathlon and XC skiing, but was also represented her school at the PSSA State Hockey competition, found time to compete in gymkhanas as a member of the local Berrima District Pony Club and in summer played cricket each Saturday afternoon.

Chilli started biathlon in early 2019 and her strong athletic background allowed her to excel very quickly, winning the Division 4 Female Laser Biathlon Junior Series Schools Championships in August 2019. Since then, Chilli has obtained her Minors Permit and is further developing her biathlon skills to compete in the 2020 Australian and Victorian Biathlon Championships at Mt Hotham.

Wingecarribee Shire Council Mayor, Duncan Gair, who presented the award to Chilli, said of her achievements:

"I don't know about you, but I'm nearly worn out listening to Chilli's achievements, (laughs)"

"I'm not sure where she's going to end up at around the age of 18, but it will be a very interesting experience and she has a very bright future. Congratulations to you Chilli, well done and well deserved.”

Chilli attends Oxley College in Burradoo and the school supports a number of young and excelling athletes. Chilli’s brother Phoenix and his fellow team-mates Salvatore and Matteo Perrotta, were nominated for the "School Team of the Year" for their outstanding success at the Australian Interschools Snowsports Championships with their Division 3 (years 7 and 8) XC Skiing team winning gold and silver medals in the XC Team events.

Click here to read Southern Highland News report on the Awards Night.

Click here to read more about Chilli's award.