All aspects of sport and recreation in the Waitaha Canterbury region are again in the spotlight, with nominations for this year’s awards now open.

For more than 30 years, the prestigious Canterbury Sport and Recreation Awards have honoured people and groups in the sector. These awards recognise everyone from those making a positive impact in at-risk communities to those achieving success on the global stage.

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Following an outstanding sporting year, highlighted by a highly successful Paris Olympics and Paralympics, Sport Canterbury eagerly anticipates numerous high-calibre nominations for the 2025 awards.

“The depth of talent and dedication in Waitaha – from our volunteers to our athletes and everyone in between - is inspiring. These awards shine a light on all those amazing people,” says Sport Canterbury Chief Executive Julyan Falloon.

“Year after year, we are blown away by the stories of achievement and tenacity. I cannot wait to see this year’s nominees and celebrate their amazing feats.”

Given the humble nature of many across the Waitaha Canterbury sport and recreation sector, Falloon says most people don’t realise the difference they make.

“The Canterbury Sport and Recreation Awards are the perfect environment to celebrate and recognise their efforts.”

Finalists for the awards are selected by a panel of judges, who then have the unenviable task of picking a winner from each category.

Those who headlined last year’s awards included the Canterbury Rams basketball team, which won the High-Performance Sports Team of the Year, while Black Ferns Sevens star Jorja Miller took out the Outstanding Youth in Sport prize.

Nominations are also open for the South Canterbury Sports Awards, with the Mid Canterbury Sports Awards opening shortly.

Nominations close on March 31 for Canterbury and Mid Canterbury, and April 6 for South Canterbury.

To nominate, head to sportcanterbury.org.nz.

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremonies in Timaru on May 16, Ashburton on May 17 and Ōtautahi Christchurch on May 23.

Tickets will be available to all members of the public from March 17.

Article added: Monday 10 February 2025