Wairarapa sporting icons share top silverware

Around 230 guests celebrated Wairarapa's best in sports at the Wairarapa Times-Age Sports Awards at the Copthorne Hotel Resort on Wednesday night.

Judges elected to share the supreme award jointly between champion sawyer Faavae Sefo and shearing guru Willie Buick.

Buick had previously been announced as Administrator of the Year, while Sefo had already received Senior Sports Personality of the Year.

Sefo was not able to attend the awards; Dave Bashford, president of the Masterton Axemen's Club, stepped up on his behalf.

Other notable awards including Makoura College being named College of the Year, with a visibly-proud sports co-ordinator Sydney Cunningham taking a moment on stage to reflect on the school's achievements.

Sponsors spoke of their delight in getting behind category awards, especially those involving youth.

Mitre 10 Mega general manager Brent Stewart chose to provide $1000 to Disabled Sports Personality of the Year Keelan Ward, saying $100 wouldn't go far to help a young man in his sport.

The Wairarapa Sports Education Trust's Brent Gould and Blair Stevens handed out three sports scholarships to Joseph Hammond (swimming), Simone Small, (athletics) and Alex Howden (athletics).

Guests hung on to every word from guest speaker Sir Brian Lochore, who reflected on sports clubs' ability to survive.

He said he was pleased to see an administrator award, and exhorted youth to get more involved in club administration.