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WA Young Person of Year is a good sport

For Jaden Mellick, too much sport is never enough.
  
At just 16, the Hamilton Senior High student has already racked up an impressive name for himself, most notably as the only known indigenous lacrosse player in WA. As well as competing against players in their 20s as part of the men’s A-grade East Fremantle team, he has represented WA in national tournaments for four years.

Jaden also shoots hoops in a national indigenous basketball competition and plays rugby league.

While his ability has earned him a swag of medals, his passion for encouraging other young Aboriginal people to achieve their dreams was recognised last night when he was named the 2008 WA Young Person of the Year at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre.
  
Jamie Haydn-Smith, who runs a program at Hamilton High which helps students achieve their academic goals, said he nominated Jaden because he was a natural leader who constantly encouraged his schoolmates to get involved in physical activities. He said Jaden was a positive example of a young person who was deeply proud of his indigenous heritage, passed down from his mother, Kimberley-born actress Ningali Lawford-Wolf.
  
Jaden said he liked getting others involved in sport.
  
“It gives people focus, the teamwork helps them to mix with people better and of course it helps you to stay healthyhe said.
  
Jaden also won the active achievement category of the WA Youth Awards, which are sponsored by The West Australian.
  
Other winners included Vinay Menon in the category of individual citizenship, Curtin Volunteers! (citizenship group), Simon Cherriman (environment), Raynar Foldesi (inspiration) and Lisa Schofield (leadership).