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Comet pitcher gets YASS
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Posted: 23/01/2012
A PROMISING softball pitcher is the latest recipient of Wodonga Council's Young Achiever Support Scheme (YASS).
Jayde Gardiner has represented Victoria for the past three years at under-17 level, including the Australian Under-17 Girls' Championships in Hobart from January 8 to 14, 2012.
The 16-year-old has travelled to Melbourne on the majority of weekends during the past three years for training and trials.
Although Victoria recorded one victory for the tournament, Jayde's ability to play in multiple positions stood out, playing as a pitcher and on third base.
The Wodonga Senior Secondary College student is also comfortable playing as a catcher, in the outfield or on any of the bases.
While the Australian Championships weren't successful for Jayde's Victorian side, the year 11 student recently tasted success with the Albury-Wodonga representative team, winning the under-19 Victorian championships in December, 2011.
The under-17 side finished runner-up in the Victorian Championships in November, 2011.
Wodonga Mayor Cr Mark Byatt said that Jayde's performances at state and national level added to the region's reputation for producing young sporting talent.
“Jayde's typical weekend involves playing for the Comets on Saturday, before travelling to Melbourne and back on Sunday,” he said.
“The dedication of Jayde and her family is appreciated and acknowledged by Wodonga Council.
"There is no doubt that Jayde is a very deserving YASS recipient.
"The council and the Wodonga community look forward to hearing of Jayde's achievements in the future.”
Jayde has played softball since she was a six-year-old and plays with the Comets Softball Club in the Albury-Wodonga Softball Association.
Jayde's brother Goel is also a talented softball player and was part of the Victorian under-19 team that won the National Championships last year.
The YASS provides financial assistance to young people to participate, develop skills, compete, perform or represent Wodonga in their chosen endeavour at a state, national or international level.
Individuals or groups are eligible to apply.
There are six eligibility categories:
- Arts, performance, music and dance;
- Sport and recreation;
- Community leadership;
- Education and training;
- Cultural; and
- Agricultural, environmental and sustainability.
For more information, contact the council's youth services officer Anthony Nicholson on (02) 6022 9300 or via email at anicholson@wodonga.vic.gov.au
