2018/2019 Southland Sports Awards finalists revealed

Monday, 17 June 2019

Sport Southland chief executive Brendon McDermott says it has been a special period of sporting success as 2018/19 Southland Sports Award finalists revealed.

Finalists from across a wide range of sporting codes have been recognised ahead of the 2018/2019 ILT Southland Sports Awards being staged next month.

A fantastic year of sporting excellence has seen athletes and officials from 16 sports confirmed as finalists across seven categories at a function at ILT Stadium Southland tonight.

The winners will be announced at a gala dinner at the Ascot Park Hotel In Invercargill on July 12.

Sport Southland chief executive Brendon McDermott said the regional sports trust was honoured to once again be hosting the ILT Southland Sports Awards on behalf of the Southland Amateur Sports Trust.

* Super Rugby: Highlanders smash Waratahs to keep their finals hopes alive

* Southland softballers return from Prague victorious**

'It's been a very special period of sporting success over the judging period, including successful Commonwealth Games campaigns and national titles by the Southland Sharks and Southern Steel,' McDermott said.

'Also, and I know we say this most years, but the depth of talent on display in the Vodafone Junior Sportsperson of the Year category is really quite exceptional, as evidenced by the fact the judges have named 10 finalists across eight different sports.'

'When you look across the categories, it's hard not to be impressed with the impact that Southland sport makes on the national and international stage,' McDermott said.

'We look forward to bringing the Southland sporting community together, along with our loyal sponsors, to celebrate another superb year of Southland sport on July 12.'

The Southland Times People's Choice award will be unveiled in the week leading up to the awards night, with the public getting to vote via Facebook on a selection of favourite moments from the past 12 months.

Significant contributions and impact on Southland sport will also be recognised with Sport Southland Services to Sport awards presented on the awards night.

2019 SOUTHLAND SPORTS AWARDS FINALISTS

ILT Senior sportsperson of the year: Eddie Dawkins (track cycling), Natasha Hansen (track cycling), Kirstie James (track cycling), Gary Low (indoor bowls), Jordan Michels (motorsport), Tom Scully (road cycling).

Vodafone Junior sportsperson of the year: Josh Burnett (mountainbiking), Aliyah Dunn (netball), Sam Hodges (volleyball), Alena Saili (rugby), Tom Sexton (track cycling), Corbin Strong (track cycling), Ella Smith (badminton), Jaxon Taylor (triathlon), Flynn Thomas (rugby), Jay Renton (Rugby).

Southland Kia Team of the Year: Natasha Hansen and Emma Cumming (track cycling), Southern Steel (netball), Southland Sharks (basketball).

Ricoh Coach of the Year: Jack Allan (rowing), Reinga Bloxham (netball), Sid Cumming (cycling), Judd Flavell (basketball), Chris Knight (athletics).

Creation Signs Official of the Year: Erin Criglington (cycling), Kristie Simpson (netball).

NZME Masters Achievement: Robyn Boniface (golf), Neil Familton (track cycling), James Jubb (track cycling), Debbie Telfer (athletics).

BDO Administrator of the Year: Jill Bolger (basketball), Rex Capil (softball), Nigel Skelt (badminton), Jo Smith (tennis).