Alan, who had been nominated for his outstanding performances in last year’s World Masters Games in Sydney, said he was stunned at receiving the award and thought he was there to just make up the numbers.

Speaking about his achievements, he said he gave a special thank you to his family for their support along the way.

At the World Masters Games he brought home two medals, a gold as a member of Australia’s 4 x 400 metres relay team (160 to 199 years) and silver in the 45-49 years pentathlon, from the world’s largest multi-sport event.

He also competed in the 100 and 200 metres sprints, javelin and long jump as well as the relays and the pentathlon. The pentathlon consists of long jump, discus throw, 200 metres run, javelin and 1500-metre run

Alan continued his success in track and field competition at the Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games in Hobart in February with seven gold and six silver medals, and one gold, one silver and three bronze at the NSW Masters Games.

Motor cycle whiz kid Josh Macdonald of West Cessnock was named the junior sportsperson after a season that saw him add four Australian titles to his trophy collection.

Josh won the 11 to under 13 years 85-150cc small wheel and big wheel divisions at the Australian Junior Dirt Track Championships in Canberra.

He took out the same divisions at the Australian Junior Long Track Championships at Somersby in July. Josh could not be there to receive his award as he was competing in events at Gunnedah, where he picked up second place.

The awards also place emphasis on the role of sports administrators and the winner was Diane Partridge of Nulkaba who was recognised for her contribution to Masters Swimming winning the NSW Gary Stutsel Award.

The award, first made in 1984, is presented to the person who has contributed the most to the advancement of masters Swimming NSW in the previous year. Stutsel was a founding member of Masters Swimming NSW.