Nominations for the 2025 Forsyth Barr Central Otago Sports Awards are now open.

Sport Central is inviting coaches, managers, parents, colleagues, and community members to nominate outstanding athletes, coaches, officials and sports figures who have excelled during the past year. 

The qualifying period for the 2025 awards is April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025, and nominations will close on Friday April 4.

Central Otago sporting achievements will be celebrated with a formal dinner at the Lake Wānaka Centre on Thursday May 8.

“Central Otago athletes have shone on both the national and international stages, securing world titles and personal best times," Sport Central community sport advisor Jo Knight said.

“The success of athletes such as Finn Butcher, multiple snow sports athletes, cyclists and last year’s winners - Ben Campbell and Alice Robinson - has been exceptional and inspiring over the past year.

“It is hoped that nominations will flow in from the far corners of our region, and from a variety of sports.”

Sport Central sport and active recreation advisor Ben Hamilton is encouraging the sporting community to also celebrate the work of coaches and officials, by nominating them for either the Workplace First Aid Coach or Findex Official of the year, and teams.

“Celebrate the spirit of teamwork and excellence by nominating your favourite sports teams for the Jennian Homes Team of the Year award. Let’s honour the teams that have made us proud with their outstanding performances,” he said.

The awards feature several categories:

Workplace First Aid - Coach of the Year

Health 2000 Wānaka - Junior Sportswoman

Galloway Cook Allan - Junior Sportsman

Central Lakes Trust - Hall of Fame Inductee/s

Ray White - Duncan and Kelly Good Junior Spirit of Central

Findex - Official of the Year

Otago Polytechnic - Para Athlete or Team

Gary Anderson Sound and Vision - Sportswoman of the Year

Central Lakes Construction - Sportsman of the Year

Jennian Homes - Team of the Year

Wānaka Physiotherapy - Senior Spirit of Central

Forsyth Barr - Supreme Award

Nomination forms and guidelines can be found on the Sport Central website.