New-look sports awards

It will be a new look when the big prizes are handed out at the Southland Sports Awards in June.

After a review of the awards, it was decided the awards would change and be more inclusive and showcase more sports.

A reimagined Southland Sports Awards will look to celebrate a diverse range of sporting achievements in 2025.

Nominations for the ILT Awards are now open, the winners to be announced at a new-look event at Stadium Southland on June 13.

This year sporting codes will be encouraged to put forward their best performances across the full range of traditional categories, and all of those stories will b e celebrated at the awards night.

Active Southland chief executive Vanessa Hughey-Pol said the awards were still focused on outstanding achievement and inspiring the community, but it was important to give all sports the opportunity to enjoy their time in the spotlight.

"Last year we got some help with an independent review of the awards to find out what the sporting community enjoyed about the event and what could be improved," Hughey-Pol said.

"Working alongside the Southland Amateur Sports Trust, who own the event, and our longtime naming sponsor, the ILT, we listened to that feedback and have reshaped the event accordingly this year."

Changes made this year include making the awards night shorter, less expensive and more accessible to a wider range of sports.

"We are also excited to include the athlete with a disability award for the first time."

Nominations can still be made by anyone in the community, but need to be endorsed by the relevant regional sports organisation or club.

With the awards covering the Olympics cycle, Sevens star Alena Saili looms as a strong candidate to be in for the big prize. Cyclist Corbin Strong also appeared at the Olympics.

Other candidates could be All Black prop Ethan de Groot and Black Caps pace bowler Jacob Duffy.

For more information go to https://www.sporty.co.nz/sportsouthlandsportsawards — APL