• Bridget Crick and Asher Wilson named Surf Life Saving Sydney Branch Junior Lifesavers of the Year
• Sydney Airport proud partner of Surf Life Saving Sydney for 16 years
• Partnership helping keep local communities healthy, connected, vibrant and thriving

Sydney Airport congratulated South Maroubra’s Bridget Crick and Coogee’s Asher Wilson after they were named the 2016-17 Surf Life Saving (SLS) Sydney Branch Junior Lifesavers of the Year this weekend.

The winners were announced at the Sydney Airport Branch Age Championships at Maroubra Beach on Sunday.

Sydney Airport General Manager Corporate Affairs Sally Fielke said the championships highlighted the important role surf lifesaving clubs play in promoting healthy lifestyles and building our leaders of tomorrow.

“I was delighted to attend the Championships and meet firsthand some of the incredible young people dedicating their weekends to keeping our beaches safe and making a real difference in our community,” Ms Fielke said.

“Bridget, Asher and all the finalists are a great reflection of the leadership and community spirit that surf lifesaving clubs foster.

“Sydney Airport is proud to partner with SLS Sydney, and be part of the difference they’re making to young people and their communities.”

SLS Juniors Director Sydney Branch Doug Hawkins said the weekend’s event recognised the skills and talents of our young lifesavers and Nippers in training.

“This year’s selection process was one of the most difficult we have had over the last few seasons, with our winners taking out the title by two points,” Mr Hawkins said.

“These candidates represented the best of the best. These young men and women are not just surf lifesavers, they are very active members of our wider community and want to make a difference. They patrol at the beach, compete in carnivals and are involved within their club in leadership roles already, so we are in very good hands for the future.

"In an age of distractions, with many pressures upon them, it is good to know that surf lifesaving can offer our young Nippers a range of opportunities in leadership, teamwork and challenges, to build upon their own personal skills. This can only deliver better citizens for us all to benefit from.”

The candidates gained their Surf Rescue Certificate in the U14s, and have completed their time at ’Nippers’, now graduating to serving on patrol in their SLS red and yellow uniform.

Each candidate was interviewed and assessed on their knowledge of SLS, their active involvement within their own surf club and extended community, their leadership skills, communication and presentation skills, and their plans for their own future role within surf lifesaving.

Sydney Airport has proudly supported SLS Sydney for 16 years, helping more than 7,000 Nippers complete their training.

The partnership reflects our strong commitment to developing a vibrant, connected and thriving Sydney for generations to come.

The Sydney Branch Junior Lifesaver of the Year saw nine nominees from across the Sydney Branch’s 15 clubs compete for the title. Bridget and Asher will now represent the Sydney Branch at the SLSNSW State Development Camp in April, where the NSW Junior Lifesaver of the Year (Male and Female) will be selected from 11 branches from across the state.