Nominations open for Whanganui Sports Awards

Kerri Gowler, left, and Chris Harris, right, as joint Supreme Award winners at the 2017 Whanganui Sports Awards.

It's that time of year again as the nominations are open for the 2018 Ray White Whanganui Sports Awards.

Organised by Sport Whanganui, interested parties can visit their website to submit an entry form in any of the 11 categories for players, administrators, coaches, teams and clubs.

As this is the first year where all entries are to be submitted online, staff at the Sport Whanganui offices beside Cooks Gardens are available to help should anyone need assistance.

The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, October 15, with the awards ceremony being held a month later at the Wanganui Function Centre.

"The Ray White Whanganui Sports Awards recognise excellent performances and contribution to sport," said Danny Jonas, Sport Whanganui CEO.

"This is a great opportunity to showcase the outstanding talent in our region and celebrate these successes as a community.

"Jump on to the Sport Whanganui website and nominate now. Let's make sure those deserving people are recognised."

Also at the awards night on November 16 is the annual induction of members into the Whanganui Sports Hall of Fame, as well as the Sport Whanganui Roll of Honour, which recognises volunteers from the region who have contributed 25-plus years of service.

Last year's event attracted around 60 nominations in the main categories and about 80 overall, along with 420 guests attending the ceremony.

The awards are in the 55th year with Ray White Real Estate Wanganui being the principal sponsor for the sixth year.

Tickets to the ceremony go on sale on October 8, and will be available at the Sport Whanganui offices at $60 each or $40 for nominees.

A full table for 10 people can be purchased for $550.

There will be a buffet dinner, music and a guest speaker who will be revealed in the next few weeks.

Nomination categories are
NZME Services to Sport Recognition; David Jones Motors Masters Award; Mars Petcare Coach of the Year; Stihl Shop Wanganui Club of the Year; Rivercity Gas Disabled Sportsperson Recognition; Treadwell Gordon Junior Team of the Year; Ali Arc Senior Team of the Year; Stirling Sports National Junior Sportsperson of the Year; NZCT National Senior Sportsperson of the Year; Velo Ronny's Bicycle Store International Junior Sportsperson of the Year; Mitre 10 MEGA International Senior Sportsperson of the Year.