Wellington Sportsperson of the Year Awards

Steven Adams and Mary Fisher big winners at the 2014
The Dominion Post Wellington Sportsperson of the Year Awards

Steven Adams and Mary Fisher are the big winners at is year’s annual The Dominion Post Sportsperson of the Year Awards run by Sport Wellington.

Adams, who was in attendance at the awards, took out the Steinlager Sportsman of the Year award along with the supreme The Dominion Post Sportsperson of the Year award. Following a successful rookie year in the NBA with the Oklahoma City Thunder in which he made the 2013-2014 NBA All-Rookie Second Team and helped the Thunder progress to the finals series. Adams has shown that he is a bright prospect for the future.

Mary Fisher added to her 2013 Disabled Sportsperson of the Year title by once again taking out this year’s Pelorus Trust Disabled Sportsperson of the Year award along with the Wither Hills Sportswoman of the Year award. This achievement was off the back of another stellar year for Fisher who finished up with four new world records and two Oceania records in her class, showing once again she is a shining light for New Zealand in the pool.

At a star studded gala event at the TSB Arena, in front of 520 people, 47 finalists were celebrated for their achievements, dedication and commitment across all levels of sport, from community based sport through to that of the highest level.

Other notable winners on the evening included the Tulsi Wellington Firebirds who were named the Hiremaster Team of the Year after winning the 2013/14 Ford Trophy, the first national silverware for Cricket Wellington in 10 years. Jamie Siddons was also recognised for the work he has done in helping the Firebirds to claim that silverware by taking out the Gibson Sheat Lawyers Coach of the Year award. Rounding out a successful night for cricket in the region, Simon Roseingrave was named New Zealand Community Trust Volunteer of the Year for the work completed as a coach, club coordinator and administrator, along with being a Wairarapa Woman’s Cricket Board representative.

Irene Van Dyk was recognised on the night, after announcing her retirement and ending what has been an outstanding international career. Van Dyk was awarded the Super Colour Personality of the Year after being a clear winner through the ‘people’s choice’ promotion run through The Dominion Post.

Sport Wellington CEO, Phil Gibbons thanked all stakeholders and supporters who continue helping such events saying “Sport Wellington is working to ensure everyone in the greater Wellington region has a life-long involvement in sport and active recreation. It is evident through the 200 nominations we received for these awards along with great stories from the work we do in the community, the Wellington sport and active recreation sector is as strong as ever and more and more people are getting involved”

Another highlight for the evening was the induction of four new Sport Legends of Wellington. Once again, Keith Quinn, the quintessential Wellingtonian inducted 1972 Munich Olympian Bevan Smith (athletics), the late Ron McKenzie (tennis), Kenny McFadden (basketball) and softball great Mark Sorenson.

The legends will unveil their plaques at the home of the Legends, ASB Sports Centre in Kilbirnie, at 10am Friday 13 June.

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