Sharing his love of sport has won Shane Closter a sports achievement award.
By Tania Martin
SHANE Closter’s passion and drive to inspire up-and-coming sports stars has won him an achievement award.
The Emerald College physical education teacher was surprised when he was named the winner of a Federal Government sport achievement award.
“I knew nothing about it – it was a complete shock,” he said.
Closter said he normally nominates one of his students but had no one outstanding to nominate this year.
“In the past I have nominated kids who are excelling in their sport but there were no students going to the state championships or nationals so we didn’t nominate a student – I didn’t expect to be chosen for the award,” he said.
But Principal Wayne Burgess said he nominated Closter because of how he inspires his students and instils in them a sense of passion for sport.
“He gives the kids the passion and desire to succeed,” he said.
“Shane has a lifelong passion and thirst for adventure which he has passed on to his students for years.”
Closter has taught many up-and-coming sports stars his passion and drive for sport over the past 22 years at Emerald College.
He has been the sports coordinator at the school for more than 10 years and has even been in charge of district interschool sports.
Closter said ever since he was a kid he has had a passion for sport and anything relating to the outdoors.
He has watched many of his students go on to succeed in their chosen sport or career.
Many of Closter’s students have gone on to become physical education teachers or reach the top of their game in their chosen sport.
Closter said it was a great feeling to see so many of his students doing so well.
“It makes you see that you are helping to foster that passion for a career in sport and a lot of my students are now very successful,” he said.
Closter said one of his many career highlights is to see the success of relay teams at the state and national finals.
He said this was close to his heart because it shows people pulling together as a team – it’s not just one person but everyone has to pull their weight,” he said.
Closter said the sport achievement award was a fantastic reward for all his years of hard work.
“Like anyone who works hard it’s good to be recognised,” he said.
But Closter said the award would be a source of inspiration to him to continue to share his passion for sport with his students.
