Nominations for 2023 Waikato Sport & Active Recreation Awards

The Waikato Sport & Active Recreation Awards are open for the fourth year; celebrating, recognising and acknowledging play, active recreation and sport organisations, initiatives and people in the region.

“2022 saw a record number of nominations and some outstanding initiatives, coaches and volunteers from around the region,” CEO of Sport Waikato Matthew Cooper said.

“The level of initiatives focused on quality experiences that are growing participation is absolutely incredible.”

The awards encourage nominations from those in the community who go above and beyond to deliver programmes and initiatives that meet the needs of the participant and create a more active region. Alongside the initiatives are Community Coach and Community Unsung Hero categories which always attract a large number of quality nominations.

“We’re really amazed by all those creating initiatives that are aimed at participation — last year we had community programmes supporting young people to be more active, stories of change from the traditional sporting models, programmes aimed at diversity and inclusion and wonderful stories from schools doing things differently to keep our tamariki active in a way that’s positive and fun,” Cooper said.

“And with that the quality of community coaches who are providing a great experience and our wonderful volunteers who are the backbone of sport and active recreation in our region.”

This year there is a new category — Outstanding By Youth For Youth Initiative for those young people leading or co-designing opportunities.

Nominations close at 5pm on Friday, September 29.

This year, all nominees will be judged and finalists invited to a special event in February 2024 (date tbc), where winners will be announced.

To nominate go to wsara.co.nz and follow Sport Waikato on Facebook for updates.

The categories are:

● Community Connection Award

● Sport & Active Recreation Partnership Award

● Outstanding Active Space Initiative

● Commitment to Accessibility and Inclusion

● Community Unsung Hero

● Community Coach

● Commitment to Youth Engagement

● Outstanding By Youth For Youth Initiative