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Peter Blair accepts Jannik Blair's award from guest speaker and Jannik's good friend Dylan Alcott. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
THE Wimmera followed favourite son Jannik Blair's London Paralympic journey in 2012.
They rode the highs and lows as Blair and his Australia Roller team-mates came within six points of winning the gold medal against Canada.
And now the ever-popular wheelchair basketballer has received the greatest honour in Wimmera sport when he was crowned Wimmera Sports Star of the Year on Monday night.
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Blair, who is currently studying in Alabama, said he was honoured to win the award after coming close in previous years.
"Unfortunately I couldn't be there to accept the award but I couldn't think of anyone I'd rather have accept it on my behalf than my father Peter especially having it been presented by my good friend Dylan Alcott," he said.
Blair said things were going well for him in the US and he was looking forward to next month's National Championships.
"2013 is a big year to focus on studies and my college career on and off the court," he said.
Peter Blair said accepting the award was a special moment and praised his son's positive attitude through tough times.
"One of his early goals after the accident was to be a Paralympian and he has stuck by that," he said. Mr Blair gave a special mention to Ricky Price and Jeff Pekin, who both had an influence on Blair's early achievements.
Rollers team-mate and close friend Alcott, who was the guest speaker at the event, said he was 'very proud' of Blair's achievements.
"Jannik has come a long way. He couldn't shoot a free throw when I first met him so to become the player he is today is just fantastic," he said. "He is a great friend on and off the court and I know how much this award means to him."
Blair joins a stellar list of winners including cyclist Mark O'Brien, basketballer Aaron Bruce and Horsham premiership footballer Damien Skurrie.
It was also a night to remember for croquet player Ken Bald, 68, who was inducted into the Sports Star Hall of Fame and was named Veteran of the Year.