2021 WAIKATO SPORT & ACTIVE RECREATION AWARDS FINALISTS ANNOUNCED!
The finalists are:
Community Connection Award: Those people or organisations that develop programmes that create connection and a great experience for its members or participants.
- Tokoroa Blades
- Parafed Waikato
- Te Ara Tukutuku (Te Awamutu Sports)
Sport & Active Recreation Partnership Award: Two or more organisations working together to achieve a physical activity outcome goal.
- Junior Festival of Rugby
- Ride Coromandel Bike Park Development
- Get Waikato Swimming! (Swimming Waikato)
Outstanding Active Space Initiative: Any programme or initiative that's held in a space such as community halls, parks, gullies, rivers - wherever a space has been used to help people be active.
- Tamariki & Rangatahi have Got to Get Out
- Nawton Skate Park Refurbishment
- Ride Coromandel Bike Park
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Programmes or initiatives that are aimed at (for example) women/girls, ethnic minority groups, disability or cultural/religious groups to enable those people to be more active.
- Te Awamutu Group Riding for the Disabled
- Everybody’s Game (The WaterBoy)
- Into Nature School
Community Unsung Hero: NEW CATEGORY: Those unpaid, unsung heroes/volunteers that have made a real difference in the last 12 months to an initiative or organisation.
- Peter van Vroonhoven
- Peter Loft
- Rex Hohaia
Community Coach: NEW CATEGORY: A community coach who creates positive team culture, provides a great experience and encourages fair play and commitment to Balance is Better/Good Sports principles.
- Sandy Katipa-Maikuku
- Alyssa Hirawani
- Nano (Rangi) Te Whare
Commitment to Youth Engagement: NEW CATEGORY: Those people or programmes who support young people (0-24), and help to grow the numbers of young people being more active.
- Restarting Youth Sailing in Mercury Bay
- The WaterBoy Sponsorship Programme
- Perry Outdoor Education Trust (POET)
Congratulations to every person and initiative that was nominated this year – we value and acknowledge all the incredible work you do to keep our communities active.
Finalists will be published on Sport Waikato social media channels, www.sportwaikato.org.nz and you can view all nominations at www.wsara.co.nz
Finalists and their supporters are invited to a special event on Thursday 27th January 2022 in Hamilton where winners will be announced.
Follow us on Facebook for updates www.fb.com/sportwaikato
2020 WINNERS
CLICK THE IMAGE TO WATCH THE VIDEO OF A SURPRISE PRESENTATION!
COMMUNITY CONNECTION AWARD

Huntly Gymnastics Club - Operation Engagement
SPORT & RECREATION PARTNERSHIP AWARD

Mercury Bay Athletics Club - Relocation to Mercury Bay Multi-Sport Park
OUTSTANDING ACTIVE SPACE INITIATIVE

Hamilton City Council - Melville Skate Park Upgrade
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

The WaterBoy
PEOPLE'S CHOICE SPORTSPERSON

Nayanakantha Wijesekara
PEOPLE'S CHOICE SPORTING OR ACTIVE RECREATION MOMENT

Hamilton Old Boys 13th Grade
And our 10 Service to Sport recipients
Combined recipient video - you can see all separate recipient videos on our Facebook page