The 2024 Trust Aoraki South Canterbury Sport and Recreation Awards - on Friday 17 May - saw resounding celebrations, recognising the accomplishments of the region's finest athletes, dedicated volunteers, and impactful community leaders over the past year.

Held at Caroline Bay Hall, the event united the region's sports community - from local heroes to international stars - to celebrate 48 outstanding finalists across nine categories.

Twenty-year-old Black Ferns Sevens sensation, Jorja Miller took home the Trust Aoraki Sportsperson of the Year Award, building on her recent successes at the Singapore Sevens and the HSBC SVNS Series.

“It's a massive honour to receive the Sports Person of the Year award, finally graduating from the youth section.” said Jorja.

“To be alongside some pretty massive names and big athletes is really humbling, so I'm really grateful for that.” Jorja’s mother accepted the award on her behalf, as Jorja continues her preparations for the upcoming Paris Olympics in July.

The event acknowledged not just sporting accomplishments but also notable local contributions. The Whitehorse Big Easy event, which drew over 400 participants in 2024, won the Alpine Energy Community Sport and Recreation Impact Award for its substantial role in raising funds for local charities and schools.

The Aspect Trust Youth Award category was highly competitive with 11 nominees, showcasing the abundance of emerging talent in the region.

Ryan Caldwell emerging as the winner, celebrating a second triumph of the evening when his team was honoured as the XCM Sports Team of the Year.

Winning various interschool competitions and ultimately securing the Rankin Cup for the first time in the school's history, Timaru Boys’ High School 1st XI Hockey took the honours in a competitive field of successful teams recognised.

The event also inducted Colin Hawke as the seventh South Canterbury Sporting Legend, and the first official to receive the accolade. Colin refereed 175 first class matches over a decorated 19-year career, including 24 tests and 16 Ranfurly Shield challenges - before hanging up the whistle in 2002.

In one of the evenings lighter moments, Dave Latta appeared via a pre-recorded video to acknowledge Colin’s contribution to rugby. Latta was on the receiving end of a controversial penalty which ultimately cost Otago the ‘Log o Wood’ in the infamous, 1994 Canterbury v Otago Ranfurly Challenge.

“It’s always such a special night for our region’s communities to come together and recognise the impact we’re making both here and overseas,” stated Shaun Campbell, South Canterbury Regional Manager.

“The calibre of talent and legends in this room tonight make you proud to be from this region.”

This event truly encapsulated the South Canterbury spirit, celebrating an impressive assembly of talent, community impact, and inclusivity, the foundations of both high-performance and community sport in the region.

2024 South Canterbury Sport and Recreation Awards - Winners

Timpany Walton Lawyers Coach of the Year Award

Keaton Swindells – Speed Skating

Alpine Energy Community Sport and Recreation Impact Award

The Whitehorse Big Easy – Multisport Event

Timaru District Council Outstanding Lifetime Achievement

Betty McIver – Gymnastics Colin

Cooper – Indoor Bowls

Ferg Hazlett – Tennis

Ian Baird – Athletics

Phillipa Bedford – Basketball

Wayne Williams – Indoor Bowls

Mackenzie District Council Masters Sportsperson of the Year Award

Wayne Doyle – Athletics

Waimate District Council Official of the Year Award

Nyssa Willcocks – Gymnastics

Sport Canterbury Para-Athlete of the Year Award

Ian Simpson – Wheelchair Rugby

The Breeze Volunteer of the Year Award

Keri Murphy – Softball XCM

Sports Team of the Year Award

Timaru Boys’ High School 1st XI Hockey team – Hockey

Sport Canterbury Sporting Legend Induction

Colin Hawke – Rugby Refereeing

Aspect Trust Outstanding Youth in Sport Award

Ryan Caldwell – Hockey

Trust Aoraki Sportsperson of the Year Award

Jorja Miller – Rugby Sevens

-ENDS-

Article added: Monday 20 May 2024