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It was time to finally peel off the paddling gear on Saturday as Mako gathered for the end-of-season MAFTA Awards at the majestic Cupitts Winerty in Milton. The theme was a day at the races under a brilliant blue sky as revered Mako President Simon Katz opened proceeding with a rousing speech here it is…..
Presidents EOS Report – 2023
So. Firstly, on the initial run sheet for today’s events, I allocated myself 10 minutes for this “speech”. Final draft, I’ve cut that down to about 3 minutes. And – anyone who’s experienced one of my speeches in the past would understand why that’s probably a good idea….
So, I will be short. However, I’ll be genuine and I’ll be sincere, and I’ll be speaking from the heart. With no foot in the mouth gags or foolish embarrassing indiscretions. And the best thing is, any stuff ups will be corrected and sanitized by those speakers following. Thanks in advance; Ang and Chick.
OK. So, I am so absolutely proud to be standing up here in this forum today. So totally proud of this little club.
So proud of all of the people in this room today, likewise those who can’t be here today, as well as those who have paddled with us in the past. I am so bloody fortunate to be able to claim everybody in this room as a friend. A real friend. (Whether everyone in the room agrees or not – this is my speech, so suck it up)
Every time we get together to train, have a coffee or a beer, attend a regatta or represent Mako in any way, we do it so well. Everyone genuinely has fun. Supports each other. Congratulates each other, Congratulate our competitors, appreciate and thank everyone, all and sundry, sharing the smiles all around.
I love that. There’s no shit. No jealousy. I’ve never witnessed any animosity.
The culture of this club is fantastic and it’s that culture that this club has been built on – and continues to grow and thrive by – it’s something envied by others. It really is. – We’ve all witnessed that. And we can all take just a little bit of credit for that – and we should all be very proud of that.
But – maybe some more than others? and I’m not going to dwell on this because I know you hate hearing it – but; thank you Chick. Thank you, Bear. Mako wouldn’t be here today if you two didn’t make this all happen. From the ground up, from the day you bought that old $300 tub over from the bowels of LBG and dumped her (lovingly) on Collingwood beach, to our first paddle, our first regatta, makos first win – you were there. You’ve provided the highest standard of governance, the highest level of leadership, and the highest level of coaching, developing real team spirit and real camaraderie along the way. You made it happen You sowed the seeds of the culture that makes us who we are.
So, Thank you – But – before you get embarrassed or too big-headed – Goes without saying that you couldn’t have done any of it without everyone here and everyone I’ve mentioned.
A huge thank you of course to John West and Club Jervis Bay for their support and faith in Mako Paddle Club. The Club has enabled us to become an established part of the local community and we look forward to a long and successful partnership.
Mako is a team effort. And what a friggin team. Please turn to whoever’s sitting next to you and give them a pat on the back. You’ve earned it. They’ve earned it. We’ve all earned it.
Let’s now protect it, guard it, and welcome others into it. Raise your glasses please – Thanks, Mako.
President KATZ
2023 Mako Awards Recipients
Best & Fairest Female: Angie Jenkins
Best & Fairest Male: Ryan Brown
Club Person of the Year: Shane Leviton
Rookie of the Year Female: Ali Cash
Rookie of the Year Male: Andrew Glasson
Cinderella (Most Improved): Jack Stratton
#Makomojo: Elizabeth Brown
