The 16-year-olds' contribution to the Gisborne Netball Centre Youth Activation Group (YAG) was “outstanding”.
They were highly regarded in the Waikato-Bay of Plenty zone as key drivers in the youth space, both heavily involved with the Youth Activation Group (since its inception in 2020) and in the Netball New Zealand Leaders Programme.
Alani and Samara had achieved their silver and gold awards in the activation pathway and the coaching pathway.
“Giving their time to a sport they love is never an issue for the young sisters who have been instrumental in delivering new events in the Gisborne area, leading the way in promoting and managing tournaments, all while juggling school and part-time job commitments,” the Netball NZ statement said.
The other Gisborne award recipient was Shanan Gray, who received the Community Champion Award for New Zealand.
“Shanan has been a board member since 2020, regularly umpired at a high level (the only male umpire to control premier games), worked alongside administrators to ensure the smooth running of Saturday club netball, and been a strong advocate for men's and school netball in the Tairawhiti/Gisborne area,” Netball NZ said in its statement.
“His own experience ensures that he is a voice for those living rurally to receive similar netball-playing opportunities.”
Shanan co-ordinates netball with the Uawa club and Tolaga Bay Area School, and is described as someone who “lives and breathes the game”.
