Sandow Wins Inaugural George Green Medal
1st September 2008
South Sydney?s Chris Sandow today has won the inaugural George Green Medal as the NRL's Indigenous Rising Star award.
Sandow has been a revelation in the NRL and Toyota Cup this season, his outstanding form on the field complementing his work a sports development traineeship with South Sydney Juniors. Next year, Sandow will study community development and work in a mentoring project at Alexandria Community School as part of Souths Cares community initiative.
"Indigenous players boast a proud history of achievement in Rugby League and this award recognises the achievements of the next generation of Indigenous stars in our game," NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said today. "Congratulations to Chris on his award and to all the nominees for their outstanding contribution to the game and to the community."
The Honourable Linda Burney, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Youth and Minister for Volunteering, hosted today?s George Green Medal presentation in the Members Dining Room at NSW Parliament House.
The George Green Medal, named in honour of the first Indigenous player to play Rugby League, is presented to the rising Indigenous star selected from eligible players in their first year playing at either the NRL or Toyota Cup level. The Minister congratulated the NRL on an award that reflects the contribution of Indigenous people to the game, with 11% of NRL players having an Indigenous heritage.
"Rugby League has been part of the social fabric of Indigenous communities across NSW and Queensland," the Minister said. "This recognition of young achievers coming through the game will give further inspiration to the youth who aspire to emulate their heroes. The NRL has also sent a positive message to Indigenous youth by combining this award with an educational scholarship. It reinforces that to be successful in any field of life you need to have a sound education and the game has set new standards in its Toyota Cup by ensuring players have the opportunity to work or study."