More than 200 members of the sporting community celebrated the Central Otago Sports Awards last night (Friday, May 12) at the Lake Wānaka Centre.

“It is exciting and inspiring to see 17 sporting codes represented in the list of award finalists,” Sport Central sport and active recreation advisor Jo Knight said. 

“Among them were curling, netball, cycling, rowing, athletics and equestrian.”

The NZ Women’s Curling Team won the Jennian Homes Team of the Year award:

The team members have strong ties with Central; they either live here currently or grew up here, including; Ruby Kinney (Hyde), Bridget Becker (Patearoa), Natalie Thurlow (Becks), Holly Thompson (Ranfurly), Jess Smith (Naseby), and women’s coach Nelson Ede (Naseby).

Read more: Team Smith on the world stage for curling    

Wānaka’s Zoi Sadowski-Synnot claimed the Bruce Grant Memorial Trophy (Supreme Award) for her outstanding performances in snowboarding on the world stage. She was also named Sportswoman of the Year.

Hāwea Flat biathlete Campbell Wright was awarded the Sportsman of the Year. Campbell

won a gold medal in the 10km sprint at the biathlon junior World Championships becoming the first athlete from the southern hemisphere to win a medal at the event. 

National U18 Single Sculls Champion Marley King-Smith was named Junior Sportsman of the Year and alpine skier Mikayla Smith claimed the Junior Sportswoman of the Year award.

“It was fantastic to see the junior categories bursting with talented young athletes who have competed at a national or international level,” Jo said.

Well-known sporting administrator Bill Roxburgh was awarded the John Fitzharris Memorial Trophy for services to sport, recognising a lifetime of service.

The awards cover the period from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023.

Awards:

Gary Anderson Sound and Vision Sportswoman of the year: Zoi Sadowski-Synnott - Snowboarding.

Bike It Now Sportsman of the Year: Campbell Wright - Biathlon

Gallaway Cook Allan Junior Sportsman of the year: Marley King Smith- Rowing

Health 2000 Wanaka Junior Sportswoman of the year: Mikayla Smyth - Alpine Ski Racing

Jennian Homes Team of the Year: NZ Women’s Curling Team

Southern Lakes Motors Para athlete or team of the year: Adam Hall - Para skiing

Workplace First Aid Coach of the year: John Morrison - Rowing

Findex Official of the Year: Sasha McLeod - netball

Duncan and Kelly Good, Ray White “Spirit of Central Otago” Junior Award: Siena Mackley

Wanaka Physiotherapy “Spirit of Central Otago” Senior Award: Bonny Teat

John Fitzharris Memorial Trophy for services to Sport - Bill Roxburgh

The Bruce Grant Trophy (Supreme Award) Sponsored by Forsyth Barr: Zoi Sadowski-Synnott