Waka ama wins award for King
Taipa’s Rosie King continued her dominance in women’s waka ama races to take out the Sportswoman of the Year at the recent Far North Sports Awards.
The awards presented by Far North District Council saw 54 winners announced from 83 finalists.
King has been competing in the sport since she was five, encouraged by family success and love for waka ama.
Her individual results this year include bronze in the Open Women 500m at the World Sprint Championships, 1st place in the open women 14km race at New Zealand Te Aito Championships and two silver individual medals at the New Zealand Waka Ama Sprint Nationals.
King trains twice a day, six times a week which can consist of paddling, running and gym work depending on what stage of the season she is in.
She says it was a privilege to be the Sportswoman of the Year for the second consecutive year.
‘‘It’s nice to have recognition for all the hard work, commitment, traveling, training and racing that has been put in this year.’’
The next event on the calendar is the New Zealand Sprint Championships in December before the first ever Long Distance World Championships next year.
Her message for people wanting to achieve their goals in sport: ‘‘Follow your dreams and pursue the things that bring you happiness. Everything and anything is achievable if you put your mind, soul and heart into it.’’
Waka Ama also featured with Herberts on Tour winning Team of the Year and Team Fat Oysters winning Youth Team of the Year.
Kerikeri’s Blair Tuke won the supreme award having also been awarded Sportsman of the Year and winning the sailing code award for his achievements which included winning the Olympic Gold medal in the 49er yacht class with Peter Burling.
The Club of the Year was jointly awarded to the Kaeo Rugby Sports Club and the Kai- kohe Rugby Football Club.
Attendees to the Rio Olympics were acknowledged, along with Blair Tuke, Para Sailor Chris Sharp and Athletics Coach Ah Chong Sam Chong made the trip to Brazil. Fellow local Olympian Portia Woodman will be awarded her Olympic pin later this year.
Over 120 people attended the awards ceremony held in Paihia on November 11.