Tennis star lands Australia Day Award ace
Published 23 January 2019
World-ranking tennis player and Burpengary East resident Mitchell James can add another win to his trophy cabinet after nabbing the Moreton Bay Regional Council 2019 Australia Day Award for Sports.
Mitchell has held the Australian #2 Singles ranking for six years. Last year, Mitchell won back the Australian #1 Doubles ranking after holding the title in 2013 and 2014.
On the international stage, Mitchell’s achievements include bringing home gold in both the Men’s Singles and Doubles at the 2011 Special Olympics World Games in Athens. This year he will represent Australia again at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi.
Mitchell has also travelled the world competing in the International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (INAS) World Games, from the Czech Republic in 2013 where he won silver in both the Doubles and Team events, to Paris last year where he secured gold in the Men’s Team event, silver in the Mixed Doubles and 4th in Men’s Doubles. This year, Mitchell will be a proud ambassador for the nation when Brisbane plays host to the 2019 INAS World Games.
Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Allan Sutherland said Mitchell was an outstanding sportsman and a role model to the region’s youth.
“Mitchell was a recent recipient of our Next Gen Athlete Grant and the Australia Day Award for Sports is an extension of that recognition for his achievements,” Cr Sutherland said.
Councillor for Division 2, Peter Flannery, said Mitchell’s sporting achievements helped inspire other young athletes in the region.
“Mitchell has worked hard for his rankings and his success sets an inspirational example for the next generation of tennis stars,” Cr Flannery said.
Mitchell’s parents received his award on his behalf at a private function for the region’s Australia Day Award recipients on Thursday, 17 January at Clear Mountain Lodge.
Other Australia Day Award recipients for Moreton Bay
Citizen of the Year - Elisha Wright, who has been instrumental as a disability advocate in the region through collaboration with Moreton Bay Regional Council on its Disability Access and Inclusion Plan.
Volunteer of the Year - Des Dewar, whose work with Deception Bay Meals on Wheels has helped nourish people in need for more than 25 years.
Youth Sports Award - Fraser Vaughan, a young BMX racer who has secured some incredible results in recent years both nationally and internationally.
Environment Award - Husband and wife team, Richard and Carole Green, who have made significant contributions to the restoration and preservation of the John Oxley Reserve.
Arts and Culture Award - Carmel Bond, who has made a valuable contribution to Dayboro and the greater region by preserving the town’s history.