Campbell Honoured Off-court

Illawarra Mercury

Tuesday January 16, 2007

Tim Keeble

LONG-SERVING Hawks guard Mat Campbell is hoping for a double dose of luck.

Campbell has been named a finalist for the 2006 Confederation of Australian Sport Community Leadership Award, with the winner revealed at a nationally televised black-tie dinner on February 21 in Melbourne. But first and foremost on the 30-year-old's wish list is a Wollongong win tomorrow night against Townsville.

After being embarrassed by struggling West Sydney on Saturday night, the Hawks know they have to get cracking if they plan to contest the NBL finals series for the seventh straight season.

"It'd be great to have such a prestigious award on my resume, but the only thing I'm really focused on right now is winning games and making the play-offs," he said.

The Australian sport awards recognise athletes who have achieved outstanding success in their field during the year.

"I'm very honoured to not only have been nominated but to have been selected as a finalist," Campbell said. "Since coming from Bendigo to play with the Hawks, the Illawarra has given me so much both professionally and personally. I'm very conscious of that and I always appreciate the support.

"It has always been important for me to be able to give something back to the community. I really enjoy my involvement with charities and organisations for children with disabilities and find it incredibly rewarding in so many different ways."

Hawks chief executive Paul Young said Campbell's community involvement had long been a source of pride for the club.

"We have always been extremely proud of Mat's inspiring efforts, both on and off the court over his 11 years with the club," he said.

"It's great to see that others have also noticed Mat's strong community spirit and admirable work, he deserves every bit of recognition he gets. I really don't think they could have chosen a more worthy finalist and we wish Mat the best of luck."

Basketball has 10 finalists, followed by cycling (9), swimming and athletics (7).

© 2007 Illawarra Mercury

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