Sport Waikato is looking to acknowledge 2017 sporting excellence in the region.

District Sports Awards nominations are open from Thursday 1 June 2017 until Thursday 28 September 2017.

Each district in the Waikato region will have its own awards event, with category winners going forward to be considered for the prestigious Brian Perry Waikato Regional Sports Awards held in January 2018.

Sport Waikato CEO Matthew Cooper said following a successful Olympic year, this year’s events such as World Masters Games, the Rugby League World Cup, the British Lions Tour and the America’s Cup yachting reminds us to recognise our own local sporting talent and volunteers.

“We have lots to celebrate – so many of our sportspeople and emerging athletes are based in the Waikato region and it’s time to celebrate their achievements. It’s also a time to recognise and acknowledge the hard work of those who support sport – the administrators, coaches, officials and volunteers whose time is spent helping our athletes to achieve”, said Cooper.

Regional Capability and Events Coordinator Gilly Alexander wants clubs, schools and sports organisations to take the time to fill in a nomination form so that the achievements of a district can be highlighted.  

“Sport Waikato makes it as easy as possible to nominate online. From Administrator of the Year to Sportsperson of the Year - our categories reflect the various roles in sport, and I urge communities to nominate local sports people and volunteers”, said Alexander.

Sport Waikato District Sports Awards events will take place in Taupo, South Waikato, Waikato, Waipa, Matamata-Piako, Waitomo, Hauraki/ Thames-Coromandel and Hamilton, during the month of November.

Nominations can be made online at http://www.sportwaikato.org.nz/awards.