WAS COMPETE’S Lucky Number

BY MIRIAM

At the 13th Annual Petey Awards held at the Sin City Classic, 13 was truly Compete’s lucky number. The table lines were pressed, the lights were dimmed and 150 sports leaders from across the globe celebrated deserving individuals and organizations for their efforts in “Uniting the World Through Sports.”

The red carpet was hosted by SVTV Network CEO Sheri Johnson and Phoenix Gay Flag Football League board member Jesus Godinez. This year’s winners and special guests shared their thoughts on camera with Sheri and Jesus. You can watch the red carpet interviews on SVTVnetwork.com.

This year’s event included a special performance by Sania Dela Cruize. Winners came representing sports such as bowling, NHRA drag racing, softball, tennis and many others. And Sin City Classic codirectors Larry Ruiz and Dr. Jason Peplinksi were on hand to present the Ken Scearce Leadership Award to Tommy Otterbine, one of the many standout moments of the night.

Greg Lee, Compete’s 2022 Person of the Year, presented the Professional Sports Organization Award to the Las Vegas Aces. Greg accepted his award at the TEAMS Conference in Oklahoma City this past October.

Travis Shumake, NHRA’s only out drag racer was honored as the Professional Athlete of the Year and Ernie Jaramillo was honored as the Mark Bingham Athlete of the Year. Racquetball World Champion, Rhonda Rajsich, last year’s Mark Bingham Athlete of the Year, was on hand to present both awards.

The 14th Annual Petey Awards will be held on January 11, 2024 in Las Vegas as part of the Sin City Classic. •

Awards

13th Annual Petey Awards

2023 LAS VEGAS

Presented by

Award Winners

Sporting Event Awards-Regional or Local: Saguaro Cup, Cactus Cities Softball League

Sporting Event of the Year Award-Professional:

United States Tennis Association for Billie Jean King Cup and Diversity Brunch

Sin City Classic Volunteer Award: Dorian Dixon

The Spirit of Sport Award: Las Vegas Tennis Classic

The Pillar Award: Felicia Paschal-Gilmore

The Beacon Award: Chris Davin

Community Hero Award: Tanya Jackson

Welcoming City Award: St. Petersburg, Florida

Molly Lenore Inspiring Athlete Award: Beau Bradley

Corporate Change Champion Award: Cintas

Outstanding College or University: University of Las Vegas Nevada (UNLV)

Sports Organization of the Year Award: International Gay Bowling Organization (IGBO)

Professional Sports Organization of the Year Award: Las Vegas Aces

Ken Scearce Leadership Award: Tommy Otterbine

Professional Athlete of the Year: Travis Shumake, NHRA Driver

Mark Bingham Athlete of the Year: Ernie Jaramillo

Special Tribute to Kenyatta Scott