Dion Panossian crowned Official of the Year at SportWest Awards
Hillarys local Dion Panossian was crowned the Community TAB Official of the Year at the 2020 RAC SportWest Awards, Western Australia’s premier sports awards, at RAC Arena on Thursday 11 March 2021.
Hundreds of people gathered at the awards to recognise excellence in sport and celebrate the achievements of WA sportspeople throughout 2020.
Community TAB proudly presented its Official of the Year Award to Dion Panossian, a karate referee who first became involved in the sport at 10 years old.
“I was not a very athletic or active child, so my parents enrolled me in karate due to the benefits of karate training, and it helped be build self-confidence, self-discipline and improve my focus at school,” Dion said.
“I commenced officiating once my competitive career was over because I thought it would be a great way to give back to the art and stay involved.”
“As with most sports the developmental pathways start at State level moving on to National, then Oceania (Continental) and finally International.”
“I have held my international license for 20 years this year, which has involved officiating at the highest level of competition in the karate circuit, and I am fortunate to have travelled to some amazing places across the world.”
Dion declared his greatest career highlight as being selected to referee at the Tokyo Olympics.
“I was honoured to have been selected as one of 16 officials from across the world to officiate at karate’s debut appearance at the Olympic games. Karate originated from Japan so to have it appear at the Olympics in its birthplace is somewhat special.”
“I am very honoured to be the recipient of this award amongst Western Australia’s best. Western Australia has such a strong sporting community and culture.”
“Karate is a minor sport and the newest Olympic sport despite being taught for centuries, so I was very proud to receive the award on behalf of our sport.”
Dion enjoys an elite standing in the sport, as chair of the Australian Karate Federation Referee Council, chair of the Oceania Karate Federation Referee Council and member of World Karate Federation Referee Council.
Dion also teaches weekly across the Shobukan Martial Arts centres.