Interest declines for awards

The future of Matamata-Piako Sports Awards could be at risk if nominations continue to decline.

The district sports awards online nominations are now open, until September 28.

The awards will take place in November.

Matamata-Piako Sport Waikato co-ordinator Lou Beer says nominations have been declining over the past five years.

She says if it continues, there may no longer be a dedicated district sports award event.

‘‘We may see them combine with another district, meaning less local opportunity for our sports people to be recognised.’’

There are seven categories including sports person, coach, junior sports man and woman, official, administrator and service to sport.

‘‘It’s not just about high performance,’’ says Beer.

‘‘It’s about the administrator who keeps the club going and the coach who turns up every week despite sideline criticism.’’

Category winners from each district will go forward to be considered for the Brian Perry Waikato Regional Sports Awards held in January 2018. Nominations can be made online at sportwaikato.org.nz/awards.