With Father's Day just around the corner, families are gearing up celebrations and gatherings, all to recognise the inspiring men in their lives.
The Australian Fathering Awards are back again this year to do just that, celebrating their 10th anniversary, coordinated by ‘The Fathering Project’ partnered with the ‘Australian Father’s Day Council’.
The Fathering Project is a national charity transforming children's lives by running education programs through over 1,000 schools and corporate engagement projects supporting and empowering Dads.
Four Australian Fathering Award categories are being announced this year, and one of Hornsby's local Dads is in the mix to claim one of the prestigious awards at the end of the month.
Patrick Hoult, a youth sports coach, and father figure at Gracie Barra Club Hornsby, has been shortlisted as a Sports Father of the Year nominee.
The nomination acknowledges Patrick's dedication to coaching Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) and his meaningful impact on his young students.
Training children from 4 to 18 years old, imparting not only the technical skills of BJJ but also nurturing students' personal development and life skills. Patrick is known as a father figure to all who train with him.
Gracie Barra Hornsby is known for its inclusive and welcoming environment, helped spurred on by Patrick Himself, who has a remarkable ability to help children of all abilities with conditions such as autism and ADHD to achieve their full potential.
Commenting on Patrick's shortlisted nomination CEO Káti Gapaillard of The Fathering Project says, "Over the past five years, Patrick's commitment to multiple sports and community roles has inspired and positively influenced youth in sport and the general community.
"At The Fathering Project, we know it really takes a village to raise a child, and fathers play a critical role in our community, for their children, and also through local youth programs where they can help mentor and inspire youth positively to reach their full potential".
Voluntarily devoting entire weekends to attending BJJ competitions, supporting his students' participation and building their confidence. Patrick emphasises the importance of participation and having a go.
Patrick commented on his role in young students' lives,
"I believe in the transformative power of sports and the importance of teaching valuable life skills to children. Although not a father myself, I embrace the role of a father figure to over 60 children, inspiring them to reach their full potential both on and off the mat".
The award winners will be publicly announced at the end of the month on the 31st of August.
