22 April 2024, 5:00 PM
A range of standout Upper Clutha athletes are represented in the list of finalists for this year’s Forsyth Barr Central Otago Sports Awards.
Sport Central sport and recreation advisor Jo Knight said there was an “unprecedented” number of nominations this year and she was pleased to see them come from a range of sports including sailing, equestrian games, ice hockey, multi-sport, para-athletics and rowing.
Many of the finalists are national or world champions, showing the depth of sporting talent in Central Otago, she said.
Among the finalists in the Junior Sportswoman category (sponsored by Health 2000) are junior world champion snowboarder Lucia Georgalli and national track title holder Phoebe Laker.
“It is exciting to see these Kōhine coming from our smaller, rural communities and excelling at national and world championships,” Jo said.
The equally competitive Junior Sportsman category (sponsored by Galloway Cook Allan) includes finalists (and Youth Olympians) Finley Melville Ives, Campbell Melville Ives and Luke Harrold.
The Sportswoman of the year (sponsored by Gary Anderson) finalists include multisport champ Simone Maier and Olympic-medal winning snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott.
Some big international names line up in the Sportsman of the year category (sponsored by Bike It Now) against Wānaka locals Hunter Burke (luge), Nico Porteous (Freeski Halfpipe), Luca Harrington (Freeski, Big Air and Slopestyle), Finn Bilous (Freeride) and Hamish Elliott (Multisport).
The Officials’ category (sponsored by Findex) includes Wānaka rowing stalwart Rob Bruce.
The newly introduced Hall of Fame (sponsored by Central Lakes Trust) will recognise athletes, coaches or administrators whose contribution has been so significant they have helped shape the culture and environment of the Central Otago sporting landscape.
The Forsyth Barr Central Otago Sports Awards will take place on Friday May 10 at the Lake Wānaka Centre. Tickets can be purchased here.
Full list of finalists:
Bike It Now Sportsman of the year:
Hunter Burke, Luge
Nico Porteous, Freeski Halfpipe
Luca Harrington Freeski, Big Air and Slopestyle
Ben Richards, Freeride
Finn Bilous, Freeride
Jack Pearson, Rowing
Ben Campbell, Golf
Hayden Paddon, Motorsport
Finn Butcher, Canoe Slalom
Hamish Elliott, Multisport
Gary Anderson Sportswoman of the year:
Caitlyn Henderson, Equestrian Games
Alice Robinson, Alpine Ski Racing
Ruby Star Andrews, Freeski Big Air and Slopestyle
Zoi Sadowski-Synnott, Snowboard Slopestyle and Big Air
Simone Maier, Coast to Coast
Gallaway Cook Allan Junior Sportsman of the year:
Oliver Goldsmith, Canoe Slalom
Mason Clarke, Cricket
Jake Henderson, Equestrian Games
Raphael Anderson, Golf
Finley Melville Ives, Freeskiing
Campbell Melville Ives, Snowboard Halfpipe, Big Air and Slopestyle
Luke Harrold, Freeski Halfpipe, Slopestyle and Big Air
Rocco Jamieson, Snowboard Big Air and Slopestyle
Eddie Adams, Mountain Biking/Road Cycling
Rory Meek, Downhill Mountain Biking
Health 2000 Junior Sportswoman of the year:
Sophie Fountain, Equestrian Showjumping
Sky Sanders, Barrel Racing - Rodeo
Grace Tiko, Netball
Maggie Dowling, Luge
Polly Bennetts, Ice Hockey
Lucia Georgalli, Snowboard Slopestyle and Big Air
Indy Deavoll, Mountain Biking
Eva Small, Mountainbiking and freeskiing
Phoebe Laker, Athletics
Zara Hazeldine, Equestrian
Siena Mackley, Cross Country
Jennian Homes Team of the Year:
Mabel North and Madison Smith, Sailing
Harry Hope & Hugo Sinclair, boys u18 novice double sculls
Rowing - Mount Aspiring College/Wānaka Rowing Club
Men's senior quad Dunstan arm RC Rowing
NZ Junior Men's curling team, Curling
Wakatipu High School U17 Boys Double Sculls Crew Rowing
Bella Breen and Ruby, Smith Rowing
Southern Lakes Motors Para Athlete of the year:
Adam Hall, Para Alpine Ski Racing
Mac Denniston, Athletics - Field events
Wānaka Physiotherapy Spirit of Central Senior:
Hunter Burke, Luge & Curling
Rob Bruce, Rowing
Flick Wallace, Ski racing
Duncan and Kelly Good Ray White Spirit of Central Junior:
Jess Lake, Athletics
Eva Small, Mountain biking and freeskiing, overall sports.
Maggie Dowling, New Zealand Olympic Luge Association
Findex Official of the Year:
Sasha McLeod, Netball
Rob Bruce, Rowing (Mount Aspiring College/Wānaka Rowing Club)
Flick Wallace, Ski racing
Workplace First Aid Coach of the Year:
Brad Prosser, Freeski Park and Pipe
Michael Beable, Athletics
Simon Smith, Rowing