James Tirado wins Bradley Matthews Memorial Award

Published Date
27/10/2020
News Topic
Sport, Youth
Mayor and James Tirado

James Tirado has been awarded the prestigious Bradley Matthews Memorial Award for Sporting Excellence in this year’s Randwick City Council Sports Awards.

James is a vision-impaired para-athlete, who has represented Randwick/Botany Harriers, NSW and Australia. He has also represented Marcellin College Randwick in Athletics and Cross Country at regional, state and national events. He is a National All Schools Champion for the 800m para and holds the current Australian Record for 800m para for T13 vision-impaired athletes.

James is currently part of the NSW Athletics Talent Program and dreams one day of representing Australia at the Paralympics. “During COVID, athletics has helped me maintain a sense of normality, still being able to train and do the thing that I love. However, what’s changed is I haven’t been able to compete… Nationals got canceled, which was incredibly unfortunate. However, we still move forward, and I aim to represent Australia at the Paralympics in Paris in 2024.”

The Bradley Matthews Memorial Award for Sporting Excellence commemorates and celebrates the life of Bradley Matthews, the 15-year old who tragically died in August 1978 after fracturing his spine in a game of football. At the time of his death, Bradley Matthews was already a local sporting champion and was demonstrating sporting ability in several different sports. This award ensures that Bradley Matthews is remembered by his sporting mates and up and coming sports champions in the Randwick area.

Charles and Carol Matthews

Randwick City Mayor, Danny Said was able to host a small morning tea in lieu of the usual Sports Awards presentation night, with James Tirado, Catherine Tirado, and Bradley Matthews’ parents, Charlie and Carol Matthews. Carol and Charles Matthews were thrilled to present the award to James, who they described as a “perfect gentleman” and “someone who will go far in their sporting career”. They also thanked his mother, Catherine, who has been James’ greatest support. “We made sure we gave a special thanks to James’ mother, Catherine – it’s hard work supporting your kids through sport and there’s certainly a lot of driving!"

James hopes that more kids get involved in little athletics, for the great sporting culture and opportunities. “The thing I love about athletics is that it’s incredibly inclusive, to everyone no matter of their ability or disability. I am vision impaired and athletics has given me wonderful opportunities to represent New South Wales and Australia. I’ve loved every minute on the athletics journey.”

JamesTirado with Bradley Matthews Memorial Award

Last Updated: 1 March 2022
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