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The diversity of central Victoria’s sporting talent is reflected in the Sports Star of the Year honour roll.
When it was launched in the mid 1960s the main goal of media partners Bendigo Advertiser and BCV8, now known as Southern Cross 10, was to recognised the region’s sporting elite.
The world of sport has grown significantly since cycling ace Frank McCaig was awarded the first gold statue as the 1965-66 Sports Star of the Year.
On Friday night the region's best of the past year will gather from many greats of years gone by for the 50th Bendigo Bank Bendigo Advertiser-Prime 7 Sports Star of the Year presentation at the All Seasons Hotel in Bendigo.
Cycling and the McCaigs have strong links to Sports Star.
Frank’s sons Rik and Brent have been monthly winners over the years.
A rare feat was achieved in 1991-92 when Brent McCaig was Sports Star of the Year.
The feats by Frank McCaig as a competitor and then later off the bike as Bendigo International Madison promoter earned elevation to the Sports Star Hall of Fame.
These days it’s Rik who plays a key role as CEO for the madison.
The second yearly winner, boxing great Billy Fry is still fighting on.
In the 1960s, Bendigo was well represented in boxing circles through the likes of Billy Fry, Des Duguid and Brian Cahill.
A highlight at Sports Star two years ago was Fry’s induction to the Hall of Fame.
Since it was launched in 1993-94, the Hall of Fame has paid tribute to outstanding achievers, not just on the field, court, track or water.
The award honours those who have done plenty to mentor and inspire others.
Names such as Olympic swimming champion Faith Leech, AFL great Greg Williams, yachtsman Greg Goodall, pictured, and basketball legend Kristi Harrower, pictured, readily spring to mind.
The Faith Leech inspirational award was presented for the first time a year ago to WNBL champions Bendigo Spirit.
Water sports feature as monthly winners many times.
Yachting ace Greg Goodall is a dual yearly winner and Hall of Fame member.
In the late 60s, Alan Goodall’s yacthing feats earned three montly awards.
Greg racked up two gold and six silver wins and his sons Liam and Brett have also been monthly winners.
The Rawiller brothers Brad and Nash are multiple monthly winners and continue to rack up wins close to home or overseas.
Hundreds of monthly awards have been announced to the best in pursuits ranging from golf, croquet, basketball, rowing, football, judo, horse racing and many more.
The finalists in the 50th Bendigo Bank Bendigo Advertiser-Prime 7 Sports Star of the Year represent 13 disciplines.
Many have excelled at world championship level, or at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
For many of this year’s stars the Rio Olympics are the “carrot” as they continue to push themselves in training and in matches.
Pursuit of glory is followed and supported by many.
For all of our sports stars it’s family influence, as well as coaches, team-mates, or those who have gone before them that plays such a big part in their success.
Highlights at tonight’s presentation include the Cyril Michelsen and Maxine Crouch trust fund.
D-Club and Fernwood Fitness again kick in to provide a membership package for the recipients.
A new initative in Sports Star is the naming of the region’s healthiest school supported by Bendigo Health.
Tonight’s 50th presentation will involve Premier Daniel Andrews, AFL great and Melbourne Football Club coach Paul Roos as guest speaker, and Sandy Roberts as master of ceremonies.