The 2020 ORIX New Zealand Canterbury Sports Awards finalists have been revealed, against the appropriate backdrop of Ngā Puna Wai, where high performance meets grass roots sport in the southwest of the city.

Sport Canterbury Chief Executive, Julyan Falloon says the finalists on the list demonstrate the diversity of sporting excellence that Canterbury isn’t always known for.

“It’s easy to associate red and black and our regional pride with three or four sporting codes,” Falloon points out. “Ngā Puna Wai was a perfect setting to share our 2020 ORIX NZ finalists.

“The Ngā Puna Wai sports hub is symbolic of Canterbury sports coming together – in the same way this Awards event represents the absolute best of the sporting best in our province.”

Over the past year, Canterbury Ultimate and Track and Field athletes have trained and competed in the same space, coordinating times and making the most of a world class facility – under lights in winter.

“We are a region that will always love its footy,” Falloon continues. “However in this single list of finalists, for Canterbury we know that footy means league, union and soccer, while water sports include canoe, swimming, rowing and tri.”

“ORIX New Zealand is proud to be bringing these Awards to Canterbury for the second consecutive year,” says ORIX New Zealand General Manager Barry Nicholson.

“Given the incredible depth of the talent pool, we really had to guess who the final list would include, from the 140 nominees received. In some regions, you’d expect familiar names. But in Canterbury, you come into the room knowing there are at least 10 individuals, teams or clubs that have had their best year ever.

“This creates a sense of excitement that puts us all on the edge of our seats. We know the judges have been through their paces and with Tokyo around the corner, so many of our Canterbury officials and coaches, as well as athletes, are at the very top of their game.”

Full List of Finalists -  https://www.sporty.co.nz/asset/downloadasset?id=a9bd77bf-9964-4670-993f-3a562bde9ddd 

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