Grassroots Sports Awards Early Bird Nominations Closing Soon

Early bird nominations for the Property Brokers Grassroots Sports Awards 2011 are closing soon and a trip for two to the NZ Winter Games is up for grabs.

“There are many volunteers in sport, many of whom put in long hours and lots of effort to keep sport in our region going. It’s time to say thanks and recognise our volunteers and our local sports clubs by nominating for the awards,” says Sport Manawatu’s Tamara Scott-Valath.

Any nomination received before midnight July 15 goes in the early bird prize draw. All volunteers will go in the national draw to be the More FM Sport Volunteer Ambassador and win a trip for two to the NZ Winter Games in Queenstown later this year, and there’s a sports kit bag full of useful goodies for a club to win.

“These awards are a fantastic way to be able to say thanks to your sports volunteers, and it’s really easy to nominate. Each volunteer that you nominate online gets sent a thank you e-card with your personal message so they know you appreciate their efforts.” says Mrs Scott-Valath.

The awards are open to all sports volunteers including coaches, managers, administrators, referees, uniform washers, and team drivers. The awards also recognise local sports clubs with awards for achievements in different categories and clubs also have the chance to thank their corporate partners.

Categories for clubs include: sports partner, best presented club, club event, fundraising initiative, participation initiative and athlete development. Volunteer nominations are coordinated through the Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC) Sport Volunteer Awards and categories include; SPARC Sport Volunteer Award (19 years and above), Wattie’s Student Sport Volunteer Award (13 – 18 years) and Lifetime Achievement Award (for 25+ years voluntary service to community sport).

Any club or volunteer in the Manawatu, Tararua or Horowhenua can be nominated for the awards. Visit sportmanawatu.org.nz for more information or to make a nomination.

Early bird nominations close July 15, and the final date for nominations is August 23. All of the award categories will be presented at the Property Brokers Grassroots Sports Awards function held later this year.