Sport Awards: World-class look to finalists

Rower Julia Edward a finalist in the sportswoman category. Photo / File

Outstanding sporting performances by local athletes on the world stage have been reflected in the finalists selected for the 2015 Bay of Plenty Sports Awards.

The annual awards organised each year by Sport Bay of Plenty, salute outstanding achievement by Bay of Plenty sportsmen and women in sport at home and abroad over the past 12 months.

"The calibre of nominations never fails to amaze me, and it is fantastic what Bay of Plenty athletes, coaches, officials and administrators are achieving. This year has highlighted the number of athletes performing on the international stage, and in particular the wide variety of sports and schools doing well. This makes the judging job even more difficult but I guess it's a good problem to have," said Sport Bay of Plenty sport manager and judging convener Megan Cleverley.

World champion Rotorua rower Julia Edward and world champion kayaker Lisa Carrington of Ohope head the finalists for sportswoman of the year, joined by BMX star Sarah Walker of Kawerau, rower Zoe Stevenson and canoe slalom competitor Luuka Jones.

In the men's section, Reporoa's Rugby World Cup winner Sam Cane goes up against Adam Ling (rowing), Kane Williamson (cricket), Trent Boult (cricket) and Peter Burling (sailing).

The Junior Team of the Year category returns in 2015 after making its debut at last year's awards to accommodate the growing sector of youth athletes that are between secondary school and open age groups,(under 21) that are showing great talent in their chosen field. The Bay of Plenty Secondary School Sports Awards will also be presented on the night. These awards recognise secondary school students who have achieved nationally or internationally.

"The Bay of Plenty has a depth of sporting talent and administrators and the sports awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise this annually. It is a privilege to be able to honour our top athletes and officials again in 2015," said Sport Bay of Plenty chief executive Heidi Lichtwark.

The People's Choice poll continues this year with the public having an opportunity to vote for their favourite Bay of Plenty junior athlete. Running from the November 9 to 18, all votes go into the draw to win an Apple iPad Air 2 powered by Vodafone.

The awards evening will be held at the ASB Arena, Mount Maunganui on December 4. Tickets from November 10 via www.eventfinda.co.nz. Adults $80, Secondary School Students $40.

Nominees

Central and Eastern Bay finalists

Secondary School Student Contribution to Sport: Jessica Gordon Netball, Waterpolo & Swimming Rotorua Lakes High School, Matthew Hathaway Rugby & Basketball Reporoa College

Secondary School Boys' Team of the Year: Whakatane High School Boys' Rowing Team, Rotorua Boys' High School 1st XV Rugby Team, Rotorua Boys' High School Sevens Rugby Team, Rotorua Boys' High School Touch Rugby Team, Western Heights High School Senior A Boys' Volleyball Team

Club of the Year: Rotorua Tennis

Team of the Year: Waikite Women's Rugby Team
Junior Team of the Year: BOP Junior Squash Team, Rotorua U19 Men's Basketball Team

Secondary School Coach of the Year: Rene Otto Athletics Edgecumbe College, Scott Mayhew Rugby Sevens Rotorua Boys' High School, Graham Watt Rowing Whakatane High School, Maurice Stone Touch Rugby Rotorua Boys' High School, Ngarimu Simpkins Rugby Rotorua Boys' High School

Secondary School Sportswoman of the Year: Hannah Van der Horst Equestrian Whakatane High School, Georgia Collard Wakeboarding Taupo-nui-a-Tia College, Sarah Clarke Water Ski Racing Taupo-nui-a-Tia College

Secondary School Sportsman of the Year: Lewis Ryan Mountain Biking & Multisport Rotorua Lakes High School, Lenny Jenkins Rowing Whakatane High School, Lewis Eccles Cycling Taupo-nui-a-Tia College, Isaac Te Aute Rugby & Rugby Sevens Rotorua Boys' High School, Henry Spring Golf

Whakatane High School

International Sportsperson of the Year: Danny Lee Golf

Sportswoman of the Year: Sarah Walker BMX, Lisa Carrington Kayaking, Julia Edward Rowing, Zoe Stevenson Rowing, Luuka Jones Canoe Slalom

Sportsman of the Year: Adam Ling Rowing, Kane Williamson Cricket, Sam Cane Rugby Union, Trent Boult Cricket, Peter Burling Sailing