Triple Australian Olympian to visit POM

Triple Olympian and Australian beach volleyballer, Kerri Pottharst, will be this year’s special guest at the 27th SP Sports Awards (SPSA) presentation in Port Moresby on May 25th.

Pottharst is one of Australia’s most famous beach volley baller. SPSA finalists and guests will have the opportunity to meet her during the awards ceremony at the Crown Hotel.

She won a bronze medal at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996 and a gold medal at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

Her story is one that demonstrates the power of courage, persistence and personal belief in overcoming countless challenges. Her drive to succeed with unparalleled strength, focus and determination allowed her to win that gold in the Sydney Olympics.

“This will be my first visit to PNG and I’m excited to meet everyone at the 27th SP Sports Awards where I will share some inspirational messages on how to have a mindset of a champion,” said Pottharst.

She spent 22 years competing in the sport she loves and is one of Australia’s most decorated indoor and beach volleyball players. Pottharst is the only Australian to have competed in the prestigious A1 Italian Indoor Volleyball League.

She was also honoured in 2007 with her induction into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame.

“Kerri Pottharst is a sports icon, not just for volleyball but sports in general and the SP Sports Awards is delighted to secure her as our special guest for this year,” said SPSA Organising Committee Chairperson, Andrew Lepani.

“The Sports Awards has had many great people share their experiences and we are looking forward to meeting and hearing Kerri’s story.”

He thanked SP Brewery for organising Pottharst’s trip to PNG and Air Niugini and Crown Hotel for her travel and accommodation. Lepani also acknowledged other supporting sponsors involved in this year’s Awards.

SP Brewery Managing Director, Stan Joyce, welcomed the announcement of Pottharst’s visit and is looking forward to joining her and the finalists at the Awards.

“We are pleased to have Pottharst grace us with her presence for the SP Sports Awards this year. She has an outstanding record, a triple Olympian who has overcome challenges and her drive to success is very inspirational and is an excellent example of determination, sacrifice and hard work,” Joyce said.

Pottharst is an inspiration and a living legend in her sport with a unique story to share that will motivate and inspire all.

Since retiring from national and international competition in 2005, Pottharst now divides her time between her three passions; her family, coaching elite level volleyball and inspiring people from all walks of life to achieve excellence through her keynote presentations and motivational workshops.

While in Port Moresby, Pottharst will use the opportunity to meet with PNG’s elite volleyball athletes preparing for the Pacific Games and share some tips and motivation with them.

Author: 
Press release