Farah wins another Tiger award

Robbie Farah’s influence as a role model in the Lebanese community has led to him receiving another award.

Farah has been named the Australian Lebanese Association’s Sportsperson of the Year following his outstanding performances for the Wests Tigers in 2005.

He was presented with the award by Phillip Rizk, Association President, and Rania El Chediac, the association’s Information and Welfare Executive, at Wests Tigers headquarters of Concord Oval yesterday.

Established in 1947, the Australian Lebanese Association of NSW Ltd, established in 1947, has been awarding Australian Lebanese Youth who have made significant contributions to the community through their academic, sporting, community or entertainment achievements for the past 15years.

"We maintain this event’s importance, particularly in these current times, in order to encourage positive community contribution and outlook especially from Australian Lebanese Youth," Mr Rizk said.

"Robbie is a fine example for all young people to follow."

It is the second time Farah has been honoured with such an award, having received an Australia Day award from the United Australian Lebanese Movement in January.

Farah said he was delighted people in the Lebanese community held him in the same stead as Bulldogs player Hazem El Masri.

"I’m sure there are a lot of young people in the Lebanese community who enjoy looking up to Hazem and I," Farah said.

“It is a real honour to receive these awards.’’

Farah said his family were proud of their Lebanese background and continue to live in the Canterbury district.

"I actually grew up supporting the Bulldogs when I was younger as Belmore Sports Ground is not far from where my family live," Farah said.

"I used to go down to the ground and sit on the hill. The Canterbury area means plenty to me as I have lived there my whole life. But I am a Tiger boy through and through now."

Farah revealed his role model growing up was Bulldogs legend, Terry Lamb, regarded by many as the Top Dog of Belmore.

"Terry was a great player and a great leader. I used to idolise him as a youngster and hopefully I can achieve half of the things he did," Farah said.

"He has the hill named after him at Belmore Sports Ground. One day, I hope I can have the Robbie Farah Hill at Leichhardt Oval."