Newborough’s Jonathon Tatnell was handed the prestigious Pierre de Coubertin Award late last month.
The award recognises secondary school students who demonstrate values which are consistent with the Olympic movement through participation in sporting activities.
Jonathon was selected by the Chairo Christian School for this award.
The awards were held in the members room of the Melbourne Cricket Ground and hosted by Olympian swimmer Nicole Livingston and diver Loudy Wiggins.
About 180 students from across Victoria received the award and Jonathon was the only student from the Latrobe Valley, according to Chairo Christian School.
A REUNION for players and officials who represented Traralgon in the two seasons of the Victorian Football League will be held on Saturday, 23 July.
It is now 20 years since its first VFL team strode out on to the park.
Former St Kilda icon Geoff ‘Joffa’ Cunningham coached Traralgon’s VFL team in 1996, with former Carlton and Box Hill player Geoff Hocking taking over in 1997.
LVFL legend Greg ‘Googa’ Morley was captain for the duration.
Current Melbourne Demons FC assistant coach Craig Jennings won the best and fairest in 1996, with former Melbourne ruckman Greg Doyle taking out the award in 1997.
The Traralgon Football Club Past Players and Officials Association president Russell Northe said the reunion was an opportunity for past and officials to reminisce on the relationships developed and challenges faced on the VFL journey.
“We had many quality players from across Gippsland who represented our side and we sincerely hope they can see their way clear to join us on 23 July,” Northe said.
“The club really valued every single player and official who put their hand up to be involved in this experiment.
“We want to have the opportunity to thank them for their willingness to put their reputations on the line against some exceptionally strong and talented opponents at VFL level.”
Traralgon will host Bairnsdale on match day with reunion participants meeting on ‘The Deck’ at 2pm.
Buffet meals will be available at the Traralgon Football Netball Club after the game.
