More than 200 members of the sporting community celebrated the Central Otago Sports Awards last night (Friday, May 12) at the Lake Wānaka Centre.

For the second consecutive year, Wānaka’s Zoi Sadowski-Synnott claimed the Bruce Grant Memorial Trophy (Supreme Award) for her outstanding performances in snowboarding on the world stage. She was also named Sportswoman of the Year.

In February (2023) Zoi won the Supreme Halberg Award and Sportswoman of the Year at the 60th ISPS Handa Halberg Awards, and in 2022 was crowned the Snow Sports NZ Athlete of the Year and was awarded the prestigious Lonsdale Cup.

“It is exciting and inspiring to see seventeen sporting codes represented in the list of award finalists,” Sport Central sport and active recreation advisor Jo Knight said. 

“Among them were curling, netball, cycling, rowing, athletics and equestrian.”

Hāwea Flat biathlete Campbell Wright was awarded the Sportsman of the Year. Campbell won a gold medal in the 10km sprint at the biathlon junior World Championships becoming the first athlete from the southern hemisphere to win a medal at the event. 

National U18 Single Sculls Champion Marley King-Smith was named Junior Sportsman of the Year and alpine skier Mikayla Smith claimed the Junior Sportswoman of the Year award.

“It was fantastic to see the junior categories bursting with talented young athletes who have competed at a national or international level,” Jo said.

The ‘Senior Spirit of Central Otago Award’ was awarded to Bonny Teat for her role with the Wānaka Snowsports Club over the last 28 years. 

“Not only is Bonny a keen competitive skier, but she also has a wide-ranging administrative role with the club that spans decades,” Jo said.

Well-known sporting administrator Bill Roxburgh was awarded the John Fitzharris Memorial Trophy for services to sport, recognising a lifetime of service.

The awards cover the period from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023.

Awards:

Gary Anderson Sound and Vision Sportswoman of the year: Zoi Sadowski-Synnott - Snowboarding.

Bike It Now Sportsman of the Year: Campbell Wright - Biathlon

Gallaway Cook Allan Junior Sportsman of the year: Marley King Smith- Rowing

Health 2000 Wānaka Junior Sportswoman of the year: Mikayla Smyth - Alpine Ski Racing

Jennian Homes Team of the Year: NZ Women’s Curling Team

Southern Lakes Motors Para athlete or team of the year: Adam Hall - Para skiing

Workplace First Aid Coach of the year: John Morrison - Rowing

Findex Official of the Year: Sasha McLeod - netball

Duncan and Kelly Good, Ray White “Spirit of Central Otago” Junior Award: Siena Mackley

Wanaka Physiotherapy “Spirit of Central Otago” Senior Award: Bonny Teat

John Fitzharris Memorial Trophy for services to Sport - Bill Roxburgh

The Bruce Grant Trophy (Supreme Award) Sponsored by Forsyth Barr: Zoi Sadowski-Synnott

PHOTO: Tommy Pyatt Photography