Record number of nominations sought for region’s sports awards

Hawke’s Bay has many top sports stars and as nominations for the Sport Hawke’s Bay Sportsperson of the Year Awards open, the organisers are calling for a record number of nominations.

Sport Hawke’s Bay chief executive Mark Aspden said 2015 was a great year in Hawke’s Bay sport, both for team sports and individuals and it’s important that success is recognised.

“2015 was a big year, probably one of the most successful on record in terms of the success of the region’s representative teams as well as the performances of many individual sports people.

“It’s up to the community and the clubs and regional sport organisations to nominate those that have achieved and we’ve made it easier to put names forward.

Nominations open on Monday February 15 and close on Friday April 1. The awards recognise successes between April 1 2015 and March 31 2016.

Nominations are welcomed from the general public, sports organisations and the media in the following categories: Junior Sportsperson, Senior Sportsperson, Master Sportsperson/Team, Junior Team, Senior Team, Coach, Administrator, Official, Service to Sport, RSO/Club Operations and Innovation in Sport and Recreation.

Nominees must reside in the Hawke’s Bay region, represent a Hawke’s Bay regional based sports team or be widely recognised as being from Hawke’s Bay.

The supreme award is chosen from the sportsperson and team categories.

Last year, world champion cyclist Regan Gough from Central Hawke’s Bay took out the overall award for his outstanding achievements at world events. He was also named the Junior Sportsperson of the Year and with Luke Mudgeway took out the Junior Team of the Year.

Mr Aspden said the award gala dinner is a celebration of all that’s good about sport and a way for those in the sports community to come together.

“It’s the premier sports awards for the region and not only celebrates winners and finalists but is an entertaining evening and we hope to announce some exciting news on special guests and MC over the next couple of months.”

“Whether you are a volunteer helping on the side-line each week or a world champion, this is an evening to recognise your achievements and involvement in sport.”

This year’s event will be held at the Pettigrew.Green Arena on Saturday May 21 with ticket sales and table bookings available now. Last year over 500 guests attended.

Anyone can nominate at www.sporthb.net.nz or join the debate on Twitter following @SportHB or using the hashtag #HBSPOY. Nominations close on Friday 1st April and finalists will be announced Wednesday 13th April.

ENDS

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