Stars of sport recognised
Natural talent will only get you so far but when you add hard work and sacrifice you have an unbeatable combination - just ask up and coming hockey super star Tarryn Davey.
Davey, who grew up in Te Aroha, was named Sportswoman of the Year at the Matamata-Piako District Sports Awards for an outstanding year in hockey – from being named in the Blacksticks Development Squad to achieving selection for the Black Sticks games against Malaysia and India.
She capped the year with selection for the Oceania Cup and Hockey World League Final to be played in Auckland this month.
A commitment to the sport he loves saw Tatuanui Tennis Club president Bryan Wratt named as one of a number of Piako residents recognised for Service Sport.
A junior member of Tatuanui Tennis Club in the ‘70s and ‘80s, Wratt and his family have long been involved in the club’s success.
He returned as a senior member in the 1990s and has a notable volunteer history of participation and contribution, having been a com- to mittee member for many years and president since 2007.
During this time, he has overseen projects including flood lighting, court resurfacing and replacement of the tennis pavilion. He works behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of the programmes and dealing with property maintenance issues.
‘‘A standout initiative has been the Farmers’ Tennis day which has become a huge success,’’ he said.
Te Aroha College student Tatiana Kaumoana won Junior Sportswoman of the Year. She competes in basketball, netball as The awards were held at the Tatuanui Community Hall last Thursday and were organised by Sport Waikato. ❚ Service to Sport: Brian Wratt, Heather Stringer, Ragvir Singh. ❚ Volunteer of the Year: Stephen Lindsay. ❚ Team of the Year: Hinuera Bowling Club Ladies Premier A Interclub Team. ❚ Junior Sportswoman: Tatiana Kaumoana. ❚ Junior Sportsman: Sam Weatherley. ❚ Sportswomanof the Year: Tarryn Davey. ❚ Sportsman of the Year: Kieran McPherson. ❚ Club of the Year: Hinuera Bowling Club. ❚ Secondary School Contribution to Sport: Olivia Goodwin. ❚ Sporting Personality of the Year: Michelle Montague. well as each athletic throwing discipline but it is at discus that Tatiana truly excelled.
At the New Zealand Track and Field Championships she achieved first in Under 18 women’s discus; first in the Under 20 women’s discus and fourth in Open women’s discus. She was then selected for the 2017 Youth Commonwealth Games team where she won silver.
Eligible winners are now considered for the Brian Perry Waikato Regional Sports Awards on Thursday February 1 2018 at Claudelands Conference and Event Centre, Hamilton.