Casey RACE Manager Simon Beqir with the winner of the Father of the Year competition, Ophelia Heng, with her Father Ivan Heng. 85896
By Bridget Scott
A FATHER of a student at Cranbourne Primary School was surprised when he was awarded the 2012 YMCA Community Father of the Year Award after his daughter sent an entry through without his knowledge.
Casey RACE manager Simon Beqir announced Cranbourne father Ivan Heng as the recipient of the prize, which recognised this dad as a role model for his children.
Ivan’s 10-year-old daughter Ophelia nominated her father because ‘he means everything to her.’
Ophelia’s nomination illustrated everything her father does for her, and the many responsibilities that he takes on within her family.
Her nomination, which was a picture she drew of her dad’s various roles, involved her father cooking dinner, going to work and taking Ophelia to the park.
Ivan was surprised to be a recipient of this award, and said it came as a shock.
“I was told to go to the school because my daughter was receiving an award,” he said.
With little idea of the fact that this award was actually to be presented to him, Ivan was delighted when he discovered what Ophelia had done for him.
“I am very proud of my daughter.”
With three other children, Ivan said he valued the time spent with his four girls.
“I love my kids, I love my family,” he said.
Ivan was presented the award by Sim Beqir and his daughter Ophelia.
The award was presented to coincide with Father’s Day which is coming up this Sunday, and Mr Beqir said this was a great chance for children to spend time with their fathers while getting active.
Another opportunity to do this is through an event hosted by Casey RACE the second Friday of each month.
“It is conducted in the evening, which means it is an ideal time for getting the family together, and includes a range of activities aimed at getting the whole family active,” the Casey RACE manager said.
