An outstanding year for rower Eric Murray has seen him named Sportsperson of the Year at last nights Waipa Networks District Sports Awards.

Sport Waikato Waipa district coordinator Janis Jeffers said the award highlighted the success Eric achieved this year both here and overseas.

“Again this year our judges had a tough job, but you can’t overlook all that Eric has achieved,” said Janis.

“From gaining first places in regional and national rowing events, to gold medals at world events, his achievements are truly outstanding.”

Janis said the quality of the nominees proved how strong the sporting talent is in the district and was overwhelmed again by the number and standard of nominees for the junior sportsman and woman category.

“The nominations for the junior categories shows we have a lot of talent coming through and it’s great to see our young sportspeople thriving in such a variety of sports,” Janis said.

Thoroughbred racer James McDonald was named Junior Sportsman of the year and also Sporting Personality of the Year. Cyclist Emma Petersen took out junior Sportswoman.

The awards evening, held at the Robb Sports Centre at St Peter’s College, are a highlight on the district calendar with local sportspeople acknowledged for outstanding achievements over the past year.

“These awards give the community a chance to show our sportspeople their efforts have not gone unnoticed,” said Janis.

Winners are now considered for the 2009 Perry Foundation Waikato Regional Sports Awards on Thursday 10 December at Mystery Creek.

Service to Sport: Edna Loveridge, Les Brain, Margaret Bradding, Ray O 'Connor, Robert Tocker

2009 winners:
Club of the Year: Te Awamutu Athletic Club
Administrator of the Year: Joe Sprangers (Touch rugby)
Sporting Personality of the Year: James McDonald (Thoroughbred racing)
Coach of the Year: David Thompson (Rowing)
Referee/umpire of the Year: Shane Ward (Kickboxing)
Team of the Year: St Peter’s Boys Tennis Team
Junior Sportsman of the Year: James McDonald (Thoroughbred racing)
Junior Sportswoman of the Year: Emma Petersen (Cycling)
Master Sportsperson of the Year: Maureen Pruden (Indoor bowls)
Sportsperson of the Year: Eric Murray (Rowing)
NOTE:
Due to the exceptionally high standard of nominees this year the judging panel also recommended that Junior Sportsman of the Year nominees Jaden Grinter (Tennis ) and Chris Wood ( Football ) along with Sportsperson of the Year nominees Emma Feathery ( Rowing ) and Rebecca Scown ( Rowing) also represent the Waipa District for judging at the up coming 2009 Perry Foundation Waikato Regional Awards .