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World and national champions, international medal winners and those who have put decades of their lives into sport were all recognised at the ILT Southland Sports Awards
The awards, which celebrate achievements between 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2016, were a chance to reflect on outstanding performances by Southland’s athletes, coaches, administrators and officials, and attracted a sell-out crowd at the Ascot Park Hotel.
Hosts: Angee Shand & James McRobie Photo: Sport Southland
Sport Southland Chief Executive Brendon McDermott said it was a fantastic night which showcased just how good Southland’s sporting scene was.
“To see the calibre of finalists and winners makes you truly proud to be a Southlander,” he said.
“The achievements of those recognised are simply remarkable and when you think of the years and years of work, dedication, training and input each and every one of these people has put in to achieve what they do, that’s inspirational.”
The 2015/16 ILT Southland Sports Awards held on Friday at the Ascot Park Hotel and celebrate performances between 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2016.
Senior sportsperson of the year.
Cyclist Eddie Dawkins was named the ILT Southland Senior Sportsperson of the Year after his lightning efforts in powering the New Zealand sprint team to world championship status for the second time in three years. Dawkins powered the team into the rainbow jersey on the final lap, and also won silver in the kieren event.
Junior sportsperson of the year.
The Vodafone Junior Sportsperson of the Year Award went to Emma Cumming, who won silver at the World Junior Track Championships, along with an Oceania title, four silver medals at the Oceania Championship and broke three national records.
Team of the year.
The SIT Zero Fees Southland Sharks took out the Southland Kia Team of the Year category, after a stellar season which saw them break a league record with 16 consecutive wins and win the New Zealand National Basketball League title for the second time in just three years.
Coach of the year.
Sharks coach Paul Henare was also recognised for his efforts with the team, winning the Ricoh Southland Coach of the Year award.
Administrator of the year.
The BDO Administrator of the Year went two ways, to joint winners Greg Sheppard and Tom O’Connor. Sheppard was the driving force behind the successful La Dolce Vita Te Anau Tennis Invitational, which attracted the top eight male players in the country. O’Connor played a crucial part in re-establishing the New Zealand Boxing Championships, earned Invercargill the hosting rights and was a key part of the organising committee.
Official of the year.
Netball umpire Kristie Simpson was named Creation Signs Official of the Year, having blown the whistle at the Netball World Cup in Sydney and officiating the semi-final between England andAustralia.
NZME Masters achievement.
World Champion cyclist Erin Criglington won the NZME Masters Achievement of the Year Award after winning the 2000m individual pursuit and the 5km scratch race in the women’s 40-44 year age group at the UCI Track Cycling World Masters Championships.
Mike Piper Trophy.
The Southland Times People’s Choice Sporting Moment of the Year.
The Southland Times People’s Choice Sporting Moment of the Year went to the SIT Zero Fees Southland Sharks win at the 2015 NBL final, which proved a clear favourite.
Sport Southland services to sport.
Three Sport Southland Services to Sport Awards were presented, acknowledging years of contributition to sport were all recognised, having put in decades of dedication to their respective sports.
- Judy Gimblett (Tennis)
- Evan Jones (Athletics)
- Dave McDonald (Racing)