RISING star George Jones has capped off a stellar 2014 by picking up this year’s Australia Day Young Sportsperson of the year.
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His exhaustive list of accomplishments to date set him apart from other candidates to claim the top honour.
Mayor Peter Petty paid tribute to the Tenterfield born 17-year-old and his long list of accolades.
“He possesses great community spirit, giving freely and willingly of his time to help in any situation,” Cr Petty said.
“George is a very keen and incredibly talented sportsman as his achievements in 2014 alone will testify
“It’s quite an achievement for one year,” he said.
George was the “Parkes House” Captain in 2013 and 2014 and in 2015 he has been elected as a school leader.
In February he competed at the Darling Downs Regional Little Athletics Championships at Helidon achieving first placing’s in a number of events as well as runner-up medals for the 400, 800 and 1500 metre running.
He was a runner-up as 17 years and over boys swimming champion at Tenterfield High School.
George was selected in the New England Zone Touch team at the trials in Inverell and competed in the Queensland Little Athletics State Championships in Cairns where he picked up medals.
As well as playing soccer for Ballandean Football Club he attended the North West Soccer Winter Trials at Coonabarabran.
He partook in the NSW Combined High Schools Swimming Championships in Sydney as a member of the North West team, won the Tenterfield High School Cross Country as well as overall 17 and over boys champion at the High School Athletics Carnival.
In June he competed at the New England Athletics Carnival at Armidale, placing 1st in the 17-years 400, 800 and 1500 metre as well as third in the javelin for his age group.
He was selected in the North West Cross Country team and placed first in the javelin, 400, 800 and 1500 metre running in his age group at the North West Athletics Carnival at Tamworth.
In September and October George attended the Combined High Schools Athletics Championships and the NSW All Schools Athletics Championships in Sydney and at the Tenterfield High School Presentation Day in December - George was awarded Senior Sportsman of the Year.
He also represented school touch football, soccer, basketball and rugby league.
George credited family support for helping him get to where he’s reached.
“I want to thank my parents for carting me around the country, especially mum,” he said.
