Sims recognised for community contribution

Cowboys forward Tariq Sims cherishes his visits with the children at the Townsville Community Learning Centre and today the time he spends with the kids was recognised with a special award.

The back-rower received the Townsville City Council’s Creating Inclusive Communities Award from Councillor Colleen Doyle and his best friends, the centre’s students, were close by to help him celebrate.

Sims, who shared the 2012 individuals category award with 4TO FM breakfast announcer Steve Price, was touched that his commitment to TCLC had been officially honoured but said awards were not the reason why he dropped by the centre many times during the year on top of his allocated Stockland Adopt-a-School visits.

“The time I spend here is often the best time of my week,” Sims said.

“I love coming here and I cherish the time I get to spend with these kids and the staff.

“They’re all special to me and hopefully I’m going to be able to keep on coming back for as long as I’m a Cowboy.”

Cr Doyle said it was clear TCLC’s students looked up to their Cowboy, who stayed after the award presentation to watch their annual Christmas concert.

The Townsville City Council Creating Inclusive Communities Awards are an annual celebration to recognise the outstanding efforts by groups,
organisations, individuals and carers working toward an inclusive community in Townsville.

There are five categories for which eligible candidates can be nominated.

The award criteria states that nominees should accept differences, look for valued roles for all, recognise the contribution and gifts others bring to the community, and be generally welcoming of people.