Young Citizen of the Year Award 2020
Christian Sorensen

Citizens who have made a noteworthy contribution during the previous year and/or given outstanding service to the local community over a number of years.

Helping others and supporting those in need earned Christian (Chris) the 2020 Young Person of the Year Award for West Torrens.

Born with intellectual and other medical disabilities, Chris has grown up against all odds to be ‘generous, kind hearted, tenacious and considerate of others’ according to his nominator.

During his years he has volunteered his time at various churches in West Torrens, represented Special Olympics SA in swimming in a national tournament, achieving best in the country; been named Most Outstanding Athlete for Special Olympics SA and even Most Improved Student at St Joseph’s Primary School (now Tennison Woods Catholic School). He has learned skills and tasks that many people take for granted and has used these and knowledge acquired to help others.

Chris helped establish St Aloysius Church Children’s Liturgy, attended schoolies as a Green Team member for nine years, helped establish social inclusion programs for those new to his church and has undertaken a series of mandatory training to help with his volunteer roles. He has worked at Coles for almost 11 years and prides himself on helping others, especially those who are older or need assistance.

Pictured: Christian Sorensen with Carole Whitelock and Mayor Coxon.