Two of Drug Aware Ignite’s finest team members were recognized for their contribution towards improving Armadale through youth engagement yesterday, at the annual Premiers awards ceremony. The two long time staff members were nominated in both the Under 25 and Over 25 categories respectively for their contributions to the Drug Aware Ignite Basketball program, through two years of coaching, mentoring, role modeling, volunteering and youth working both on Saturday nights and throughout the week.
Session Manager Michael Byrnes has been with the program since 2012 and took over as session manager in 2013. A 3rd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo, qualified pilot and student at Murdoch University, he provides the young people at the session with excellent role modeling skills and encourages both staff and participants to strive for success in whatever they do. In addition to his work on Saturday nights, he coached Drug Aware Ignite’s first formal competitive team, the Diamonds, and volunteered countless hours at community events. He has displayed stellar leadership at the program and through force of personality, propelled it to being one of the best youth engagement platforms in WA.
Anthony Kerr is stepfather to Blake Ward Massey, who both recently appeared on Today Tonight to highlight their unique father/son relationship. At first, just a spectator, Anthony joined the Drug Aware Ignite staff in 2012 and immediately made an impact through exceptional coaching ability. This transferred into his role as team development manager and the formation of the U16 Drug Aware Ignite Tigers. Featuring the cream of Armadale’s homegrown talent, his Tigers won back to back championships in the Perth Redbacks league in 2013 and 2014. His dedication to the development of young people is tireless. He strives to mould young men into not just successful players but successful people.
Both men have been instrumental to the success of the program in Armadale and we wish them both a huge congratulations for their awards.
