Time to recognise our top sports performers

Nominations for the 2009 Central Energy Trust Manawatu Sportsperson of the year awards are now being called for.

The qualifying period for the 2009 awards is October 1 2008 - September 30 2009.

The awards which have been run by Sport Manawatu for the last 21 years aim to recognise outstanding achievements of local Manawatu athletes, coaches and officials.

“We have some excellent athletes in the Manawatu who achieve huge results in both nationally and internationally. You only have to look to last year’s winner, [Olympic cyclist Jesse Sergent] to see the calibre of athletes from the Manawatu,” says Sean O’Connor development manager at Sport Manawatu.

“What’s important is that the community get behind and recognise these athletes, coaches and officials who sacrifice so much to achieve top results in their chosen field. These awards are excellent way of formally acknowledging their efforts,” he says.

The six categories in the awards are: sportsperson, junior sportsperson, sports team, administrator, coach and official. Nominations will close on 4pm Thursday October 8 2009.

Nomination forms are available from Sport Manawatu or online at www.sportmanawatu.org.nz.