Four Southlanders will be recognised for their tireless dedication to community sport at the ILT Southland Sports Awards on June 13.

Up to four of the prestigious Services to Sport awards, supported by new sponsor the Invercargill City Council, are announced at the event each year.

Craig Smith (football), Tim Ward (swimming), Danny Young (rowing) and Murray Heath (bowls) will be acknowledged at ILT Stadium Southland.

The Awards are presented by Active Southland, on behalf of the Southland Amateur Sports Trust. Tickets are available now through the ILT Stadium Southland or Active Southland websites.

Active Southland communications manager Nathan Burdon said the four Southlanders would join a long list of recipients who were vital, but often unsung, heroes for their codes.

“Every sport in the province relies on having volunteers like Craig, Tim, Danny and Murray to ensure that future generations get to enjoy great opportunities in those sports. Where would we be without them?”

Smith has been involved in Southland football for over 40 years, much of that time with the Queens Park club.

A coach and manager across many junior teams, he has been a committee member and treasurer.

Concerned at the standard of refereeing, he took up the whistle and has been named Referee of the Year multiple times.

President of the referee group, Smith has also been appointed to the Southern Football Referee Advisory Group.

A competitive junior swimmer, Ward became involved in officiating 20 years ago and is a current NZ Referee and Officials Examiner for Southland, dedicating a huge amount of time supporting local meets.

His mentorship and support has meant many officials have been able to undergo their own training without having to travel away.

Ward has been recognised by Swimming Southland with a Services Award (2011), Honours Award (2018) and life membership (2019).

Young’s first involvement with Waihopai Rowing Club came in 1971 when he competed as a novice rower.

Twenty years later he returned when his daughter started rowing, starting a long association with the club.

Young has been a successful coach across the years, including helping Lisa Owen (now Manson) to a bronze medal in the women’s under 23 lightweight world championships.

Described as the backbone of the Waihopai Bowling Club, Heath is a long-time member, current president and member of the Bowls Southland governing board.

Heath has been involved in everything from maintaining the greens to working with an architect on a structural renovation of the clubrooms and driving social membership at the club.

Heath was recognised as Bowls New Zealand’s Club Person of the Year (South Island) last year.

Amongst his other sporting involvements, he is a stalwart of the Riverton Rugby Club, a former player and manager of the Southland Stags and has been a key organiser of the annual Westpac Chopper Appeal cycling fundraiser.

All other categories, including the ILT Senior Sportsperson, Te Rourou One NZ Foundation Junior Sportsperson, BDO Coach of the Year, Southland Kia Team of the Year, NZME Masters Achievement, Community Trust South Community Impact and Inclusive Activity Murihiku Athlete with a Disability awards will be announced on June 13.