A reimagined ILT Southland Sports Awards will look to celebrate a diverse range of sporting achievement in 2025.

Nominations for the Awards are now open, with the winners to be announced at a new-look function at ILT Stadium Southland on June 13.

This year sporting codes will be encouraged to put forward their best performances across the full range of traditional categories, with all of those stories celebrated in the lead up to, and during, Awards night.

Active Southland chief executive Vanessa Hughey-Pol said the Awards were still focused on outstanding achievement and inspiring the community,but it was important to give all sports the opportunity to enjoy their time in the spotlight.

“Last year we got some help with an independent review of the Awards to find out what the sporting community enjoyed about the event and what could be improved,” Hughey-Pol said.

“Working alongside the Southland Amateur Sports Trust, who own the event, and our long-time naming sponsor the ILT, we listened to that feedback and have reshaped the event accordingly this year.”

Changes made this year were designed to make the Awards night shorter, less expensive and more accessible to a wider range of sports.

“We are also excited to include the Athlete with a Disability Award for the first time. This award will look to highlight the achievements of our best athletes with a disability or impairment.”

Nominations can still be made by anyone in the community, but need to be endorsed by the relevant regional sports organisation or club.

For more information go to https://www.sporty.co.nz/sportsouthlandsportsawards