It has been another stellar year for New Zealand's young sports people with former New Zealand Herald Junior Sports Award winners again to the fore.
Recent winner Valerie Vili led the charge with her stunning shot put triumph at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in March. Rebecca Spence keptthe flag flying with her double world championship (duathlon and cycling) success.
There is no doubt the next group of young sporting stars to be recognised by the awards - now in their 40th year - will go on to make their mark.
Applications are now being accepted for the awards which offer five $1500 training grants, an engraved medallion and product from the Herald and the Millennium Institute of Sport and Health, which will host the awards luncheon in the new year. The judges may highly commend up to three others. All winners, parents and coaches will be guests at the luncheon.
The awards are open to New Zealanders under 20 years of age on December 31, 2006. All applications must include full personal details - name, date of birth, address, contact details and a summary of the performance(s) to be considered.
Applications can be forwarded to NZ Herald Junior Sports Awards, PO Box 32, Auckland, faxed to 093736428 or sent by email to maddaford@xtra.co.nz with a copy to sportrac@nzherald.co.nz
