Lee and Carrington in running for Halberg Awards

Danny Lee. PHOTO/Getty Images

Rotorua's Danny Lee and Ohope's Lisa Carrington have been named as finalists for the 53rd Halberg Awards.

The Halberg Disability Sport Foundation today announced 24 finalists across six categories for their up-coming awards night on Thursday, February 18 in Auckland.

The winner of the Halberg Supreme Award will also be announced during the awards night, which is the country's highest accolade for sporting excellence.

Lee (golf) is one of four finalists named in the High Performance Sport New Zealand Sportsman of the Year category, while Carrington (canoeing) is one of four finalists named in the High Performance Sport New Zealand Sportswoman of the Year category.

Lee had his best season as a professional last year, which saw him win for the first time on the PGA Tour and also earn a spot on the International Team at the Presidents Cup.
Meanwhile, Carrington won both the K1 200m and K1 500m titles at the Canoe Sprint World Championships last year, continuing her dominance in the sport.

The annual Halberg Awards is the major fundraiser for the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation, the charity set up by Olympic champion Sir Murray Halberg (ONZ) to enhance the lives of physically disabled New Zealanders.

"The finalists all achieved outstanding success on the world stage in 2015 and we look forward to celebrating and honouring them at the awards ceremony next month," Shelley McMeeken, the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation chief executive, said.

Full list of finalists for the 53rd Halberg Awards:

High Performance Sport New Zealand Sportsman of the Year: Daniel Carter (Rugby), Danny Lee (Golf), Kane Williamson (Cricket), Scott Dixon (Motorsport).

High Performance Sport New Zealand Sportswoman of the Year: Lauren Boyle (Swimming), Linda Villumsen (Cycling), Lisa Carrington (Canoeing), Lydia Ko (Golf).

Disabled Sportsperson of the Year: Corey Peters (Para-Skiing), Michael Johnson (Para-Shooting), Nikita Howarth (Para-Swimming), Sophie Pascoe (Para-Swimming).

Team of the Year: All Blacks (Rugby), Blackcaps (Cricket), Hamish Bond and Eric Murray (Rowing), Peter Burling and Blair Tuke (Yachting).

Sky Next Emerging Talent: Campbell Stewart (Cycling), Dylan Schmidt (Trampoline), Eliza McCartney (Athletics), Tai Wynyard (Basketball).

Coach of the Year: Gordon Walker (Canoeing), Hamish Willcox (Yachting), Mike Hesson (Cricket), Steve Hansen (Rugby).