THE Mittagong RSL auditorium was packed out for the 2016 Berrima District Sports Awards (BDSA) on Friday night.
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The Highlands sporting community turned out in numbers to celebrate the region's top athletes for achievements during 2016.
The BDSA committee recognises the best junior and senior athletes in the Highlands each month over a 12-month period.
Cyclist Tirian McManus took home the BDSA senior champion award for the third time, following wins for achievements in 2012 and 2014.
Fencer Ellie Jordan won the junior champion honour for the first time.
McManus wasn’t nominated for a monthly award, but was recognised for his achievements throughout 2015.
The Bowral athlete said it was a “bit of a shock” to win the BDSA senior champion award.
“It’s definitely a great honour to be on the honour roll again,” he said.
“It’s something that you can look back proudly on in 30 years… it’s something that can’t be taken away from you.”
Ellie, 16, was nominated for the December junior athlete of the month honour.
On Friday night, Ellie said it was a big honour to receive the BDSA junior champion award.
“It’s a big area for sporting achievements,” she said.
“I’m really humbled to receive it.
“It’s also great for fencing because it’s a sport that does not get heaps of publicity.”
Several others honours were handed out on Friday night.
Moss Vale Basketball Association's Margaret Beaumont took home the Alex MacLean Award for club person of the year.
The Gib Gate School snow sports team took out the school sporting team of the year honour.
The Bowral junior rugby league under-14Bs were named BDSA junior team of the year.
The Moss Vale Magic men's youth league basketball team and Southern Highlands under-15s girls indoor hockey team shared the representative team of the year honour.
The Bowral Women's Bowling Club's grade four pennant side was named senior sporting team of the year.
A dozen Highlands juniors were also recognised with BDSA Junior Achievers Awards on Friday night.
* Full coverage in Monday's Southern Highland News