Outstanding contribution to netball recognised

Gisborne netball stalwarts Sherrill Beale (left) and Julie Hansen (centre) were among 25 people who received awards at the weekend from Netball New Zealand for service to the sport. They are pictured with another of the recipients, former Silver Fern skipper Sandra Edge, formerly of Gisborne. Picture by Michael Bradley Photography

GISBORNE netball stalwarts Sherrill Beale and Julie Hansen have received service awards from Netball New Zealand for outstanding contribution to the game.

Former Silver Fern captain Sandra Edge, formerly of Gisborne and now living in Wellington, also received a service award.

The awards were presented in Wellington at the weekend, at a Netball New Zealand council meeting.

“Netball New Zealand has recognised 25 individuals from around the country with the awards to mark their significant contribution to the game,” a Netball NZ spokeswoman said.

“Recipients have been deemed to have enhanced the game at a local level, regionally, nationally and/or internationally.”

The Gisborne Netball Centre (GNC) board nominated the Gisborne recipients.

“Both Sherrill and Jules have been involved with GNC for such a long time,” centre manager Allisa Hall said.

“They are still here giving to our sport every week and they both deserve this accolade that recognises their contribution.”

To be considered for a Netball NZ service award, candidates must have received a service award and/or life membership in their regional centre.

Both Gisborne-based recipients are life members of the Gisborne centre.

“It’s nice to be recognised, but it’s not why I do it,” Beale said.

“I am still involved in netball because I love it.

“It was so exciting to receive the award at the same time as Sandra, because she has always been someone I have admired.”

Beale has been involved in the sport in Gisborne for more than 40 years.

Hansen has been involved for about the same length of time.

“I looked back at the other Gisborne people who have received the award and we were numbers five and six,” she said.

“I never really thought I was in their league, so it is very special to have been recognised in their company.

“It absolutely blew me away. I thought I was going to the meeting to support Sherrill, then they read my name out too.

“And it was such an honour to receive it at the same time as Sandra.”

Gisborne’s other four New Zealand service award recipients have been Bev Fryer, Tina Karaitiana, Ronnie Martin and Irene Takao.

Sandra Edge was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.