A fantastic year for rower Alyce Pulford saw her named Sportsperson of the Year at last nights Hauraki Thames-Coromandel Sports Awards.

Success at both North Island and National championships in the pairs, quads, fours and eights has netted Alyce a number of medals over the last year. But Sport Waikato district coordinator Julie Stephenson said her fourth place a the Under 23 World Rowing championships in the women’s quadruple skull was a real highlight.

“Alyce is really making her mark on the international stage and her fourth place was a real highlight,” Julie said.

It was a double for the Pulford family with brother Aaron taking out the Junior Sportsman of the Year award for his achievements in athletics and cross country.

The awards evening, held at the Thames Civic Centre, 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 Sport Waikato district coordinator Chris Cooper.

Other winners at last nights awards, represented a wide range of sports including rugby, cycling, hockey and basketball.

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

2009 winners were:

Service to Sport recipients: Nola Leonard, George Avery, Jos Holten, Keven Caddy, Mike Smith, Percy Harris
Club of the Year: Patetonga Motor Cycle Club
Administrator of the Year: Joan Rawnsley (Athletics)
Referee/Umpire of the Year: Steve Te Moananui (Basketball/Rugby)
Coach of the Year: Lloyd Stephenson (Hockey)
Team of the Year: Waihi Women’s Bowling Team
Sporting Personality of the Year: Greg Hampton (Cycling)
Master Sportsperson of the Year: Ian Robinson (Triathlon)
Junior Sportswoman of the Year: Hayley Hoogeveen (Rowing)
Junior Sportsman of the Year: Aaron Pulford (Athletics/Cross Country)
Sportsperson of the Year: Alyce Pulford (Rowing)