SA Great
Issue No. 44 - December/January 2008
SA’s great
Excellence, achievement, and inspiration, are perhaps words that help to describe what the Young South Australian and South Australian of the Year embody.
In 2008, the winners of these prestigious Awards are people who stand out, but for very different reasons.
2008 Young South Australian of the Year, Matt Cowdrey
As a man of just 19, Matt Cowdrey is an articulate, intelligent person who has demonstrated perseverance, strength of character, and humility beyond his years. A busy time for the South Australian paralympic swimming champion, as well as being named the Young
South Australian of the Year Matt has also been named the Paralympian of the Year and Male Athlete of the Year in honour of his multiple successes in Beijing recently.
After winning eight medals, five gold and three silver he was named the greatest athlete to compete at the Beijing Paralympics.
Captaining the Australian Paralympic team at Beijing, his staggering performance at the games resulted in selection to bear the flag at the closing ceremony.
Experiencing this level of success at such a young age has not clouded his vision or altered perception as it may for some, instead it has added fuel to his desire to compete and attain success against able-bodied competitors. Despite his congenital amputation, he achieved an able-bodied qualifying time for the 2007 Telstra Australia National Championships.
Qualifying for an able-bodied long course swim and completing his Double Degree in Law and Media at the University of Adelaide is now a main focus for Matt moving forward after Beijing.
A tough competitor, one who has overcome great hurdles, Matt Cowdrey serves as an inspiration for all South Australians and is deserving of recognition and success.
2008 South Australian of the Year, Mike Turtur
The man who conceptualised, implemented and is the Race Director of the Tour Down Under is 2008 South Australian of the Year...
