The people, passion, and performance in the Central sporting community was showcased in the 2025 Central Otago Sports Awards in Wānaka on Thursday (May 8).

Major prizes went to several locals including kayak cross Olympian and former Dunstan High School pupil Finn Butcher, who won sportsman of the year and the supreme prize - the Bruce Grant Memorial Trophy. 

Ice swimmer and member of the Alexandra Swimming Club Heidi Winter was awarded the junior sportswomen of the year. She was the first Frozen Fern to win an overall gold medal at the World Ice Swimming Championships in Molveno, Italy in January.

Heidi WInter. PHOTO: Image Central

Shane Norton won the senior spirit of Central Otago award for his contribution to football.

Shane Norton. PHOTO: Image Central

Alan Hamilton (Bones) was inducted into the hall of fame, for decades of coaching excellence in athletics, shaping the futures of countless Central Otago athletes.

Finn’s accolades were accepted on his behalf by his father, Dale, who shared his family’s strong connection and gratitude to the Central Otago, and wider Otago, sporting community for fuelling his son’s success. 

Sport Central Sport and Active Recreation Advisor Jo Knight said the judges had an incredibly tough job this year, which reflects the calibre of talent in Central Otago.

“The finalists seem to raise the bar every year. All categories were hotly contested, with so many national and international champions and multiple athletes breaking local, international and world records.”

 The Central Otago Sports Awards are always a celebration of achievement, but this year, more than ever, it was about people, Jo said.  

“Many of our winners spoke with genuine gratitude for the support they’ve received from the wider Central Otago sporting community — a reflection of just how important that foundation is in helping athletes thrive.

"As Dale Butcher said — the Central Otago recipe for growing great athletes is a winning one.” 

Alongside Bones another hall of fame recipient was Jenny Ferguson, for her long-standing impact on netball as both a player and internationally appointed physiotherapist.

Sport Central congratulated all award winners, nominees, and those who continue to give their time, energy, and passion to sport in Central Otago.

List of winners:

Sportswoman of the Year: Zoi Sadowski-Synnott (Snowboard Big Air & Slopestyle) 

Sportsman of the Year: Finn Butcher (Kayak Cross) 

Junior Sportsman of the Year: Luke Harrold (Freeski Halfpipe) 

Junior Sportswoman of the Year: Heidi Winter (Ice Swimming) 

Team of the Year: Sky City Stampede (Ice Hockey) 

Coach of the Year: Nils Coberger (Alpine Ski Racing) 

Para Athlete of the Year: Adam Hall (Skiing) 

Junior Spirit of Central Otago Award: Ryan Enoka (Athletics, Karate & Rugby) 

Senior Spirit of Central Otago Award: Shane Norton (Football) 

Official of the Year: Adam Nagy (Ice Hockey) 

John Fitzharris Trophy for Services to Sport: Flick Wallace (Snow Sports) 

Supreme Award - Bruce Grant Memorial Trophy: Finn Butcher

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