From a total of 63 nominations, 48 outstanding finalists will be recognised for their achievements over the last year, and winners will be announced across the nine categories on Friday, May 17 at the Caroline Bay Hall.
Sport Canterbury’s South Canterbury regional manager Shaun Campbell said the organisation was overwhelmed by the number of nominations this year, showcasing a high calibre across all award categories.
"It’s particularly impressive to see the dedication and depth of talented individuals we have here in our region, especially in our volunteer and community impact space."
The event will also see another "Legend of South Canterbury" announced, sitting alongside previous inductees that include speed skater Nicole Begg and athletics icons Dick Tayler and Jack Lovelock.
"The competition is fierce this year, especially among the youth and team entries, making the judging process incredibly challenging.
"This event is nonetheless an opportunity for us all to come together and celebrate the collective achievements of everyone in our community."
The world’s first double amputee to conquer Mount Everest, Mark Inglis, will be guest speaker for the evening. Inglis is also a Paralympic athlete, winemaker, trekking guide, and a prominent motivational speaker.
Inglis has a deep connection to South Canterbury, having attended Geraldine High School.
"We can’t wait to welcome the South Canterbury sport and recreation community to this year’s awards, with tickets available now until midnight, Thursday, May 9."
Finalists
- The Breeze volunteer of the year: Susan Coker (hockey), Amy Hollamby (cycling), James Morritt (squash), Darryl Mattingly (speed skating), Keri Murphy (softball), Abbie Ross (basketball), Dale Teague (speed skating).
- Timpany Walton coach of the year: Ben Grant (hockey), Brian Smith (rowing), Keaton Swindells (speed skating), Nigel Walsh (rugby), Mike Wrigley (athletics).
- Alpine Energy community sport and recreation impact award: Chrissie Clarke and Louise Sandri (speed skating), Elite Road National Championships (cycling), Southern Zone Under 15 Club Championships (softball), The Whitehorse Big Easy (multisport).
- Waimate District Council official of the year: Jackson Henshaw (rugby), Vanessa McIver (rowing), Craig Motley (athletics), Mark Swindells (speed skating), Nyssa Willcocks (gymnastics).
- Mackenzie District Council masters athlete of the year: Raeleen de Joux (hockey), Wayne Doyle (athletics), Janette Francis (hockey), Timothy Greenall (hockey), Shannell Wooding (speed skating).
- Timaru District Council lifetime achievement recipients: Ian Baird (athletics), Phillippa Bedford (basketball), Colin Cooper (indoor bowls), Ferg Hazlett (tennis), Betty McIver (gymnastics), Wayne Williams (indoor bowls).
- Sport Canterbury para athlete of the year: Ian Simpson (wheelchair rugby).
- Aspect Trust outstanding youth in sport: Ben Allan (rowing) Ryan Caldwell (hockey), Zac Campbell (archery), Niamh Motley (athletics and cross country), Reef Roberts (cycling).
- XCM Sport team of the year: Craighead Diocesan School Under 17 Girls Pair (rowing), South Canterbury Cricket Senior Men (cricket), South Canterbury Rugby Heartland Team (rugby), Timaru Boys High School 1st XI Hockey Team (hockey), Timaru Men’s C Grade Superchamps Team (squash).
- Trust Aoraki South Canterbury sportsperson of the year: Siu Kakala (rugby), Jorja Miller (rugby sevens), Vina Tuilau (rugby), Tom Walsh (athletics), James Watt (tennis).
