Monique Williams has made it two in a row after being named Sportsperson of the Year for the second year running at the South Waikato District Sports Awards.

Sport Waikato district coordinator Heather Rydon said it had been another impressive year for Monique that now saw her ranked 12th in the world in the 200m event after making the semi-final at the World Track and Field champs in Berlin.

“Monique’s success here in New Zealand is fantastic, she still holds the title of senior women’s 100, 200 and 400m champion,” Heather said.

“But she is a star overseas as well and the community is all incredibly proud of her achievements.”

It was also two in a row for Nick Pero who took out Junior Sportsman of the Year again this year for his achievements in cue sports.

35 sportspeople from across the South Waikato district were nominated for awards across 8 categories. Held at Te Wananga o Aotearoa Conference Centre in Tokoroa, the awards are sponsored by Mighty River Power and hosted by Sport Waikato.

A wide range of sports were represented including rugby, lawn bowls, mountain biking and kart racing.

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

Service to Sport: Michael Judkins

2009 winners:
Club of the Year: Tokoroa Association Football Club
Administrator of the Year: Glenn Tremain (Kart Racing)
Sporting Personality of the Year: Carol Bovey (Judo)
Coach of the Year: Chris Williams (Athletics)
Team of the Year: Forest View High School Mixed Touch Team
Junior Sportsman of the Year: Nick Pera (Cue sports)
Junior Sportswoman of the Year: Chantelle Cassidy (Golf)
Sportsperson of the Year: Monique Williams (Athletics)