Chilli Sparke is Snow Australia’s Spirit of Interschools Award Winner for 2025

Congratulations to Oxley College Snowsports Captain Chilli Sparke, who has won the Spirit of Interschools Award as part of the 2025 Snow Australia Community Sport Awards. 

Competing in Interschools since Year 2, Sparke has been a driving force behind the school’s cross-country skiing success and community spirit, inspiring students to try cross-country skiing, mentoring and coaching younger athletes with enthusiasm and care. 

“Being recognised with the Snow Australia Spirit of Interschools Award means so much to me,” Sparke said. 

“It feels like a celebration not just of my own efforts, but of the community and support network that has shaped my journey. 

“I’m incredibly grateful to be acknowledged in this way, especially knowing how many inspiring young athletes are out there working just as hard.”

Chilli balances her own athletic achievements with an ongoing commitment to developing others, running before-school fitness sessions, leading roller ski programs for Oxley and Tudor House students, and fostering a welcoming, inclusive team culture. 

“I actually got into cross-country skiing by following my brothers. Tudor house needed more people to fill a team, so I didn’t want to miss out and I ended up absolutely loving it,” she said. 

“What has kept me passionate all these years is the combination of challenge, camaraderie, and the sense of purpose that comes with being part of a team. 

“The sport pushes you physically and mentally, but the environment around it always brings me joy.”

Her leadership has transformed Oxley’s snowsports presence, helping a small regional school achieve big results, particularly in cross country. 

“I think the moment it really hit me was when the younger skiers began asking for advice not just about technique, but about routines, race mindset, and how to handle nerves,” she said. 

“Seeing them look to me for guidance made me realise I had become a role model. It shifted my focus from purely improving my own performance to helping build a supportive and confident team atmosphere.”

Known for her energy, creativity, and signature ‘sparkles’, Chilli has made a demanding sport fun and accessible, ensuring every student feels part of the team. 

“When I first started out, I was welcomed into the sport with so much encouragement, even though I had very little experience and no real school team,” Sparkes said. 

“That early kindness shaped everything about how I approach the sport now. 

“I know firsthand how powerful it is to feel included, so I’ve always tried to bring that same energy to every training session and competition.”

Her dedication to mentoring, team spirit, and community engagement has strengthened cross-country skiing across the Southern Highlands and left a lasting legacy at Oxley College. 

“Leadership isn’t about being the fastest or the strongest, it’s about showing up consistently and supporting others no matter what,” she said. 

“Finishing Year 12 while captaining the snowsports team pushed me to balance responsibilities, but it also showed me how much you can lift others simply by being steady and positive.

“Not only am I proud of my individual results in the sport, but I’m especially proud of the role I’ve played in fostering and building the cross-country ski team at Oxley. 

“Watching our small school grow into a strong and competitive XC community has been incredibly rewarding. Seeing the team achieve so much, despite our size, makes me genuinely proud of what we’ve created together.”