Finalists in the 2022-23 ILT Southland Sports Awards have been announced.

This years lineup is one of the strongest ever and includes winners of Commonwealth Games golds, world championship medals and historic national titles across 25 different sporting codes.

The sports awards are aimed at showcasing contributions and achievements that inspire the Southland community.

Active Southland chief executive Vanessa Hughey-Pol said the calibre of nominations and finalists for this year’s awards had been impressive.

“The quality of performances by Southland athletes, and the contributions that our officials and administrators continue to make at the local, national and international level, makes you proud to be a Southlander,” Hughey-Pol said.

“I know for a fact the judging panel had a real challenge narrowing the nominations down to the finalists that have been announced, and deciding on category winners has not been easy.”

“The variety of sports is exceptional and it’s great to see so many codes taking the opportunity to nominate their people and celebrate their achievements,” Hughey-Pol said.

Award winners will be announced at the Ascot Park Hotel on June 9.

2022/2023 ILT Southland Sports Awards finalists:

Creation Signs Official of the Year finalists

Erin Crigington (cycling), Barbara Grieve (weightlifting), Nicky McNaught (squash), Kristie Simpson (netball).

Southland Kia Team of the Year finalists

Southland Lads Multisport (Coast to Coast), Southland Sharks 3x3 (basketball), Southland Under 18 Mixed Touch (touch), Southland women’s hockey team (hockey).

Good Tech Team Coach of the Year finalists

Julian Ineson (cycling), Chris Knight (athletics), Vlad Saraev and Angela Saraeva (gymnastics), Dennis Thompson and Scott Eade (touch).

BDO Administrator of the Year finalists

Rex Capil (softball and baseball), Braydan Marsden (disc golf), Ngarita Te Patu (BMX), Andy Magness (adventure racing).

NZME Masters Achievement of the Year finalists

Dwight Grieve (athletics), Gail Kirkman (athletics), Rex Ryan (rowing), Geertien Venter (track cycling).

Community Trust South Community Impact award finalists

Te Waka Taiohika o Murihiku, Southern Queens Boxing, Inclusive Activity Murihiku, Mossburn School Indoor Sports Complex.

One NZ Junior Sportsperson of the Year finalists

Cormac Buchanan (motorcycle racing), Alex Crosbie (motor racing), Charliese Erskine (clay target shooting), Marshall Erwood (cycling, track and road), Joseph Koroiadi (swimming), Louise Kotkamp (cricket), Rico Fisher (touch), Levi Stout (disc golf), Jon Rawiri Maddoc (Brazillian jiu-jitsu).

ILT Senior Sportsperson of the Year finalists

Sheldon Bagrie-Howley (bowls), Josh Burnett (road cycling and mountain biking), Ethan de Groot (rugby), Amy Rule (rugby), Tom Sexton (cycling, track and road), Corbin Strong (cycling, track and road).

 Ticket information for the 2022-23 ILT Southland Sports Awards and the Active Southland 2023 Services to Sport awards is available by emailing [email protected]