The achievements of Snow Sports NZ’s athletes over the past six months were celebrated with a parade in Wānaka yesterday (Sunday May 22).

Locals lined Ardmore St, interacting with the athletes as the parade made its way from Pembroke Park to the Lake Wānaka Centre.

Olympians including Zoi Sadowski-Synnott, Nico Porteous, Adam Hall and Corey Peters were in hot demand from adoring fans seeking selfies and autographs.

Wānaka turned on a beautiful autumn afternoon for the parade.

“The team have surpassed themselves with a historic 31 podium positions on the global stage, with 16 of these being gold medals or top spots in international competition,” a Snow Sports NZ representative said.

Zoi also scooped the supreme award at the Central Otago Sports Awards (COSA) last week, while fellow Olympian Nico Portous was named Sportsman of the Year and Gustav Legnavsky earned the Junior Sportsman of the Year award. 

Snowsports Olympians Zoi Sadowski-Synnott and Ben Barclay sign autographs for fans.

Paralympian Adam Hall won Para Athlete of the Year.

Crowds gathered at the Lake Wānaka Centre to engage with the athletes after the parade.

The parade and celebration included music from Mount Aspiring College band the Powder Chutes at the Lake Wānaka Centre, along with spot prizes, prizes for the best painted face (with the theme Snow Sports), and the opportunity to meet the athletes and get their autographs. 

PHOTOS: Wānaka App