Wairarapa Times-Age Sports Awards

The array of trophies up for grabs at the 2016 Wairarapa Times-Age sports awards. PHOTO/FILE

EVERY sport has its champions on the field of play.

Every sport depends on the goodwill of people content to referee, umpire or fulfil other less glamorous but equally important administrative roles which guarantee the participants are given every opportunity to expose their talents.

In each case the Wairarapa region has made a habit of punching well above its weight.

We may not be the biggest province population-wise but when it comes to sporting achievements we have consistently shown the rest of the country that size doesn't necessarily matter.

It is important that Wairarapa takes time to pay tribute to those who by their deeds -- either individually or collectively -- are ensuring this reputation is maintained.

And the annual Wairarapa Times-Age sports awards are the best vehicle for doing that. They provide the chance for all sports to recognise their stars by nominating them for one, or more, of the categories on offer with the prospect of making it to the list of finalists from whom the various winners are decided.

The first nomination form for the 2016 awards will be published in the Times-Age this Saturday . There will also be a Lifetime Achievement Award which, along with the volunteer and administrator awards, is not restricted by a specific time frame.

All other awards are for achievements registered during the period of April 1, 2015, and March 27, 2016.

Finalists for each of the categories will be announced about mid-April and the public will get the opportunity to record their votes through the Times-Age before the winners are announced at a function at Copthorne Hotel and Resort Solway Park on Wednesday, June 1.

Award Categories

Junior Sports Personality of the Year

Youth Sports Personality of the Year

Senior Sports Personality of the Year

Disabled Sports Personality of the Year

Junior Sports Team of the Year

Youth Sports Team of the Year

Senior Sports Team of the Year

Primary School of the Year

College of the Year

Sports Club of the Year

Coach of the Year

Volunteer of the Year

Administrator of the Year.