A junior cyclist has been recognised by a local council for her exceptional commitment and skills. Mount Gambier City Council’s Junior Sports Assistance Fund has named talented cyclist Tess Wight as the 2019 Exceptional Junior.

Sponsored by the Mount Gambier Commercial Club, the $1000 cash prize is awarded annually to celebrate and acknowledge a junior who demonstrates exceptional commitment and skills to achieve excellence in their chosen sport.

Junior Sports Assistance Fund Committee Presiding Member Councillor Christian Greco said Tess had consistently represented South Australia at state and national level at various cycling events in recent years and as an active member of the Mount Gambier Cycling Club she assisted with club activities and mentors junior cyclists.

“The Junior Sports Assistance Fund congratulates Tess on her achievements. “Not only is she a talented athlete but she gives back to her sport and club,” Cr Greco said. “With COVID-19 disrupting sporting seasons and events around the region, the Junior Sports Assistance Fund Committee opted to postpone the application process until sports activities resumed later in 2020.

“The Mount Gambier Commercial Club has now committed a further $2500 enabling the fund to proceed with the application process for the 2020 Exceptional Junior Program. “The fund is very grateful for the ongoing support from the Commercial Club.

“Thanks to this partnership, we have seen a total of $41,000 donated to local junior sportspeople over 19 years.” Junior Sports Assistance Fund member organisations will be invited to submit applications for the 2020 Exceptional Junior Award in the coming weeks.