Finalists in this year’s Invercargill Licencing Trust (ILT) Southland Sports Awards have been announced tonight, at a function at ILT Stadium.

39 finalists across 17 codes and pursuits were unveiled, as well as a brand-new category to be awarded. 

The awards, which are New Zealand’s longest running regional sports awards, will now include a Community Impact award to celebrate initiatives which have had a significant impact on the wellbeing of Southland communities.

Sponsored by Community Trust South, the inaugural finalists for this year’s award are Aurora College (active recreation and sport opportunities), the Invercargill City Council (Gostelow Park pump track), Southland Cricket (social women’s league) and Surfing for Farmers.

The awards, first created in 1953, are presented by Active Southland, on behalf of the Southland Amateur Sports Trust and recognise achievements from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022.

Active Southland chief executive Brendon McDermott said the level of achievement across all the categories was impressive, despite the ongoing impact of the pandemic.

“While a number of athletes, particularly our juniors and masters, have had their pinnacle events affected by Covid-19, Southlanders continue to inspire us on the national and international stage.” 

“This is a real credit to the regional sports organisations, the administrators, officials, coaches and the athletes themselves, as well as our community funders and everyone else who helps to make sport happen in Murihiku.”

The 2021/2022 ILT Southland Sports Awards will be held at Ascot Park Hotel on July 8.

Finalists for The Southland Times Unsung Hero, which is voted on by the public, will be announced soon, while the Active Southland Services to Sport awards, which are given out annually to up to four recipients, will revealed with the category winners.

2021/2022 ILT Southland Sports Awards finalists:

ILT Senior Sportsperson of the Year: Ethan de Groot (rugby), Tori Peeters (javelin), Julie O’Connell (para-bowls), Amy Rule (rugby), Alena Saili (sevens), Shannon Saunders (netball), Corbin Strong (cycling), Olivia Thornbury (triathlon).

Vodafone Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Cormac Buchanan (motor cycling), Connor Douglas (para-cycling), Losa Fifita (netball), Magnus Jamieson (cycling), Ronan Shearing (cycling), Levi Stout (disc golf), Jack Taylor (rugby).

Southland Kia Team of the Year: Magnus Jamieson and George Manson (cycling), Queens Park senior men’s football team (football), Invercargill Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (gymnastics), Southern Steel (netball).

Ricoh Coach of the Year: Reinga Bloxham (netball), Leyton Haddleton (basketball), Chris Knight (athletics), Paddy Murphy (football).

BDO Administrator of the Year: Sonya Fleming (netball), Petra Grieve and Neroli van Zoelen (gymnastics), Brayden Marsden (disc golf).

Creation Signs Official of the Year: Erin Criglington (cycling), Barbara Grieve (weightlifting), Karl McDonald (sevens and rugby), Kristie Simpson (netball), Cassie Watt (rugby).

NZME Masters Achievement: Dwight Grieve (athletics), Gail Kirkman (athletics), Geertien Venter (cycling), Ruth Whelan (cycling).

Community Trust South Community Impact: Aurora College active recreation and sport opportunities (Aurora College), Gostelow Park pump track (Invercargill City Council), Southland women’s social cricket league (Southland Cricket Association), Surfing for Farmers (Surfing for Farmers).