Radio Sport: Wellington Region Finalists

10.05.07

FRIDAY 11th MAY 2007

Announcing the Finalists…….

Once again the high level of achievements of our Wellington Regions athletes over the last year are reflected in the finalists named today for the Radio Sport Wellington Sportsperson of the Year Awards.

The awards dinner this year will be held at the Duxton Hotel Wellington for the tenth year on Wednesday 6th June.

“It’s been another great year for Wellington Sport”, Sport Wellington Region General Manager Michael Bennington says “And this, our tenth year hosting the awards at the Duxton Hotel is another reason to celebrate excellence by our Athletes, Coaches, Officials and Administrators”.

Eighteen sports are represented in the finalist list, indicating the diversity of talent in the region. Alongside traditional sports, the Radio Sport Wellington Sportsperson of the Year Awards also includes Underwater Hockey, Motorsport and Gym Sports in the list of finalists. Fourteen awards will be announced at the awards function which recognises the performance of athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and administrators.

Like last year the public will have a chance to have their say as to who the winner is in the Mercure Hotel Personality of the Year category, which will be decided through a voting process conducted by The Dominion Post.

Following recent years format, three former athletes will be inducted to the Sports Legends of Wellington Hall of Fame. The Legends concept honours athletes who have become icons in the sports arena.

The Supreme Award - Radio Sport Wellington Sportsperson of the Year will be judged from the winners of the respective categories (excluding Fair Play and Lifetime Contribution to Sport awards).

Judging panel Chairman Bill Brien said “sorting the finalists from a record number of nominations was again not an easy task. The achievements of our top athletes have been incredible over the last year, as titles and medals have been won on the world stage. Support personnel including coaches, administrators and volunteers make it a top year”.

Supporting Mr Brien on the judging panel were NewstalkZB staff Graeme Moody, Grant Nisbett, The Dominion Post Sports Reporter Jim Kayes, New Zealand Academy of Sport - Central Manager Deslea Wrathall and Event organiser Lynne Klap.

Radio Sport Wellington Sportsperson of the Year 2007 finalists are:

TUI SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR
Craig Bradshaw Basketball
Richard Mason Motorsport
Gareth Hyett Athletics
Stephen Fleming Cricket

DOMINION POST SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
Lynnette Brooky Golf
Sheree Cartright Softball
Fleur Pawsey Multi Sports
Vicki Jones Triathlon

VECTOR TEAM OF THE YEAR
Paraparaumu Beach Golf Team Golf
Wellington Men’s Hockey Team Hockey
Hutt Valley Softball National League Women's Team Softball

GIBSON SHEAT COACH OF THE YEAR
Peter Miskimmin Hockey
Naomi Shaw Softball
Peter Russell Rugby
Stuart Jacobs Soccer

ASB EMERGING SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR
Rachel Mercer Road Cycling
Carl McKenzie Athletics
Tim Hodge Athletics
Jessica Penney Athletics

MERCURE HOTEL PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
Jeetan Patel Cricket
Piri Weepu Rugby
Brendon Pongia Basketball
Terry Serepisos General

EXODUS HEALTH AND FITNESS CLUB CLUB TEAM OF THE YEAR
Te Aroha Softball Club Premier One Women’s Team Softball
Wellington Harrier Athletics Club W19 Relay Team Athletics
Western Suburbs Soccer Team Soccer

NEW ZEALAND COMMUNITY TRUST VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Andrew Carr Underwater Hockey
Pam Edwards Swimming
Robyn Dry Tennis

PELORUS TRUST ATHLETE WITH A DISABILITY
Tim Prendergast Athletics
Jayne Parsons Cycling
Paula Tesoriero Cycling

BDO SPICERS OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR
Peter Wrigley Athletics
Liz Boon Netball
Wayne Saunders Softball
Devendra Patel Hockey
THE ANGUS INN ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR
Nick Dixie Gym Sports
Gordon Dry Cricket
Sue Ryall Netball
Chris Hewson Road Cycling

The CARLTON PARTY HIRE WELLINGTON FAIR PLAY AWARD and the THE COMMUNITY TRUST OF WELLINGTON LIFETIME CONTRIBUTION TO SPORT category award winners will be announced on the night.

RADIO SPORT SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR The supreme award will be announced at the Awards Dinner, Wednesday 6 June at the Duxton Hotel Wellington.

ENDS

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