Winners claim prizes at click of a mouse

THANKS, PJ: Wanganui Athletic's Peter James was one of two regional recipients from the June draw of the "Thank a Sport Maker" campaign.PHOTO/SPORT WHANGANUI 17072015WCSUPJAMES

A dedicated football administrator and tireless rowing club volunteer are the two latest regional winners of the Lotto Volunteer Foundation and Sport NZ "Thank a Sport Maker" campaign.

Wanganui Athletic FC's Peter James and Aramaho Wanganui RC's Rerekohu Pewehairangi were chosen in the June draw for the nominees from the community for the campaign, receiving $500 worth of sports gear and merchandise.

There is only the August draw left in the Lotto Sport Maker campaign this year, as Sport Whanganui event manager Rachel O'Connor said in a news release that draws will now be held quarterly.

"To guarantee that they were in the draw for the monthly prize, Peter and Rerekohu both accepted their nominations, with just the click of a mouse.

"So please, if you get the nomination by email please be sure to accept it."

James, known as PJ, is a familiar face on the Wembley Park football grounds.

He was nominated for his work with Wanganui Athletic, where he is currently the vice-president, as well as coaching at Wanganui High School and St John's Hill School.

"This is something new for me but I am enjoying the chance to develop players, especially the girls' football team at WHS," he said. "Not many of the team have played the game."

James also had the key role in bringing English import players to Athletic for the past two seasons.

It is all about giving back to a club which gave him so many opportunities when he played for the first team back in the 1990s.

"I want to ensure the players of today and years to come get the opportunities to further their football careers through the club."

The other June winner was Pewehairangi, who was nominated for his work with the Aramoho rowing.

Pewehairangi is a volunteer coach supporting the junior crews, having given at least six hours per week to the club for the past three years.

He started out as a rower and has used his love of the sport to work through a UCOL sport course, and now Massey University papers.

Pewehairangi also supports his young charges from Wanganui High School, working under the direction of head coach Ian Weenink.

His "growth as a coach, both firm and fair, is evident in the respect the crews have for him and the good results the crews have on the land-based training and on the water", the news release says.