Recognising a wider variety of sports is at the centre of a move to revamp the Forsyth Barr Central Otago Sports Awards this year.

Snow sports has dominated the categories in recent years so the awards organisers have announced the number of finalists will reflect the quality of performance, rather than being limited to three.

“The new format will ensure that we have a broad range of talent from across our region,” Sport Central community sports advisor Tiny Carruthers said.

“If we think about some of the results this year from curling to cricket, swimming, athletics, kayak, mountain bike and multi sport, there are a multitude of remarkable achievements across our diverse sporting landscape, we need to acknowledge and celebrate these.”

Tiny said removing the restriction on the number of finalists will ensure that athletes who have achieved significant results over the qualifying period will be acknowledged and invited to be part of the awards celebration.

The awards criteria and nomination form is out now and available on the Sport Otago website. Nominations close April 13.

More than 200 people attended the awards ceremony last year, and Tiny said more finalists meant fewer tickets for the public.

“Numbers of tickets available to the public will be reduced so it would pay to be in quick,” he said. 

Tickets will go on sale via the Sport Otago website in the coming weeks. 

The awards will be held in Wānaka on Friday May 12 at the Lake Wānaka Centre.

PHOTO: Tommy Pyatt Photography