HBF JUNIOR SPORTS HEROES NOMINEE - Michele Nugent, Weekend Courier
TENNIS, cricket, swimming, soccer and music. Bailey O’Donnell loves them all but it’s his never-say-die attitude that has earnt him a nomination in the HBF Junior Sports Heroes awards.
The Kolbe Catholic College music scholarship student, who loves to play the piano, has been nominated in the inspirational achievement category not only for his sporting prowess, but for sheer strength of character.
Despite dealing with a family break-up, the death of his life-long best friend Crash the Rottweiler, and then the death of his grandfather all within 12-months, Bailey (12) remained dedicated in all aspects of his life.
The former Rockingham Stingrays Swimming Club member has been a member of Kolbe’s swimming, cross-country and soccer teams, co-captained the inaugural 2011 U12s State soccer team to Canberra and has played in and captained numerous tennis pennant, tournament and championship teams.
As the winner of the Safety Bay Tennis Club’s 2012 junior singles and doubles champion, he has continued to coach young players, encouraging them to gain confidence and improve their skills.