Sport Canterbury is proud to announce the finalists for the 2025 Sport and Recreation Awards.

Following an exceptional year in sport, marked by the tremendous success of the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, more than 120 nominations were received from over 30 sporting codes, headlined by Olympic gold medallist Hamish Kerr, Paralympic silver medallist William Stedman and the Canterbury Rams NZNBL Basketball team.

“These extraordinary people and organisations epitomise excellence and dedication in Canterbury’s sport and recreation community,” Sport Canterbury Chief Executive Julyan Falloon says of the finalists. “As they do every year, this year’s nominees represent the best of Canterbury - showcasing their amazing talent and commitment to sport and recreation.”

For Falloon, the awards celebrate the achievements of Canterbury’s proud sport and recreation community.

“By recognising these achievements, we not only acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Canterbury’s athletes and organisations - but also inspire ongoing commitment and excellence across the region,” he says.

“The volume and quality of nominations demonstrate Canterbury is eager to pay tribute to the ongoing positive impact our sport and recreation sector has on people’s lives.”

Read more:

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• Business and Sport team up 

The finalists in each category of the awards are as follows:

Connetics Community Diversity and Inclusion Impact Award

• Eastern Community Sport and Recreation Inc’s Winter Sport Cluster
• Table Tennis Canterbury’s Serve, Spin, Smash!
• TĪMA NZ Charitable Trust
• Vui Suli Tuitaupe of Moana Vā – Navigators of Pacific Pride

University of Canterbury Community Coach of the Year

• Andrea Cousins (Netball)
• Dean Isherwood (Surf Lifesaving)
• Roseanne (Rozie) Robinson – (Athletics - Race Walking)
• Ross Soper (Rugby and Touch)

University of Canterbury High-Performance Coach of the Year 

• Andrew Auimatagi (Rugby League)
• Grant Edwards (Hockey)
• Judd Flavell (Basketball)
• James Sandilands (Athletics)

Gallagher Volunteer of the Year

• Brian Holmes (Bowls)
• Rick Houghton (BMX and Pump Track)
• Holly Quaid (Hockey)
• Sharlene Wiseman (Rugby)
   

Sharp Community Official of the Year

• Aarya Advilkar (Para Table Tennis)
• Tesimale Ah Kuoi (Surf Lifesaving)
• Kevin Exton (Boccia)
• Glenys McKenzie (Swimming)
   

Douglas Furniture & Joiney High-Performance Official of the Year 

• Christine Cassin (Swimming)
• Logan Forrester (Touch)
• Gareth Greenfield (Hockey)
• Ruth Liong (Athletics)

Lincoln University Outstanding Youth in Sport Award

• Tiago Chamberlain (Kayaking/Surf Lifesaving)
• Cooper Moore (Golf)
• Charlie Morrison (Hockey)
• Gabriella Smith (Para Swimming)

Anstice Optometrists Para-Athlete of the Year

• Scott Martlew (Para Canoe)
• Lili-Fox Mason (Para Swimming)
• Gabriella Smith (Para Swimming)
• William Stedman (Para Athletics)

ORIX Community Sports Team of the Year

• Burnside West Christchurch University Cricket Club Premier Men
• Linwood Rugby Football Club Premier Men’s Team
• Marist Hockey Club CPL Women
• Pioneers of Canterbury Marching Team

Blackwells High-Performance Sports Team of the Year

• Canterbury Cavaliers Hockey
• Canterbury Men’s Cricket Team
• New Brighton Surf Lifesaving Club Female Surf Boat Crew
• Canterbury Rams NZBL Basketball Team

L&A Apparel Community Sportsperson of the Year 

• William Campbell (Swimming)
• Kate Grant (Netball)
• Hamish Kelleher (Bowls)
• Jarred Percival (Rugby/all-round)

Craigs Investment Partners High-Performance Sportsperson of the Year

• Olivia Brett (Kayaking)
• Paul Coll (Squash)
• Hamish Kerr (Athletics)
• Lucy Spoors (Rowing)

The Sporting Legends of Canterbury Award will be presented at the event.
To join the celebration on May 23 and find out the winners, click here to purchase tickets.

Article added: Tuesday, April 8, 2025