Nominate top sports people for award

WORTHY WINNER: International rowing talent Kerri Gowler won last year's Wanganui Sports Award supreme title.PHOTO/FILE

Communities across the Whanganui, Rangitikei and Ruapehu districts are being encouraged to join in celebrating the region's sporting success.

Nominations are now open for the prestigious Ray White Wanganui Sports Awards on Friday, November 20.

The popular annual awards ceremony is organised by Sport Whanganui each year to celebrate and recognise the success of the region's sporting community. Nominations are being sought across 12 categories and Sport Whanganui is hosting two evenings in September to help people complete and submit their nomination forms.

Sport Whanganui CEO Danny Jonas is urging our sporting community to ensure they get them in before the October 9 closing date.

"The Sports Awards provide the ideal opportunity for the whole community to come together for a fantastic night of celebration to champion and support our region's sports achievers, as well as inspire and motivate the rest of us to aim high, follow our dreams and just to go for it."

A major feature of past events and going ahead again this year is an inspirational talk by a yet-to-be-announced, high profile master guest of ceremonies (last year's was multi-award-winning New Zealand comedian Ben Hurley).

Also back is the annual induction of members to the Wanganui Sports Hall of Fame (where the region's past outstanding sports achievers are acknowledged), and the Sport Whanganui Roll of Honour, which recognises volunteers who have contributed 25-plus years of service to the region's sports.

Last year's event attracted around 100 nominations. Attending guests also get to enjoy a buffet dinner and dessert, live music and dance. Tickets for the awards night go on sale and more information will be revealed in October.

Anyone wishing to submit a nomination or find out more can visit http://www.sportwhanganui.co.nz/events-new or pick up a nomination form at the Sport Whanganui office at 40 Maria Place Extension.