Six Wairarapa people are included among the 32 finalists for Sport Wellington's 2012 Sport Volunteer Awards.
Just reaching that far is a major distinction in itself as the awards attracted more than 350 nominations who were divided into three categories: Sport Volunteer Award for all sports volunteers 18 years andover; Good Sorts Volunteer Award; Student Volunteer Award.
Community coach adviser for Sport Wellington, Mark Watson, said the nominees were people who have spent many hours each week to help out at the sport they were passionate about.
"They are the ones refereeing, washing uniforms, keeping clubs running ... they are the mums and dads coaching teams of kids on Saturday mornings and during the week," Watson said. "Our finalists are inspiring individuals who have gone that extra mile. They put their hand up to help, and it's been great to recognise their efforts with these awards."
The two Wairarapa nominees for the Sport Volunteer Award are Dave Wright who has given service to Douglas Villa club and Wairarapa College in football, and Graeme Butcher, long-time administrator and competitor for Athletics and Cycling Masterton.
In the reckoning for the Good Sorts Volunteer Award are Gordon Wyeth of the Tuhirangi Rugby Club and Zac Innes of the Douglas Villa Football Club.
And contesting for the Student Volunteer Award are Darren Dingle of the Kuranui Old Boys Cricket Club and James Jordan of Fernridge Primary School, for his involvement in hockey.
The category winners will be announced at an awards breakfast to be held at Mercure Wellington on September 25, with the overall regional winner going forward to represent the Wellington region at the National Sport Volunteer of the Year awards, to be held in Rotorua next year.
