Powell receives Marist award
Named the 2022 NZ Marist Personality of the Year
Te Awamutu Marist Junior Rugby chief executive Sophia Powell has belatedly been named the 2022 New Zealand Marist Personality of the Year.
The annual award given to a Marist Club-affiliated member recognised for their achievements throughout the club rugby seasons, on the field or off.
While it is awarded for the 2022 season, overall contributions to Marist Rugby and the Marist culture over the years are a major part of the assessment.
There are 27 Marist clubs nationally, and many nominations were received.
“I actually think it’s a pretty amazing thing. I’ve looked on the list of who has won it in the past and it looks like I’m the second female to receive it,” Powell said.
“I never would have thought someone from little old Te Awamutu would be eligible for this. I probably have been instrumental, I’ve been the link between the St Patrick’s School and church and the Marist Rugby Club.”
Powell has been involved in the Marist club for nine years since her children were young. She has spent seven of those as the junior rugby delegate.
She is also involved in the organisation of the Te Awamutu Rams
Power Farming Cup teams through her involvement in the Te Awamutu Junior Rugby sub-union and also manages her son’s St John’s College Under 14 rugby team.
“You’ve got to be a certain kind of person. You’ve got to be friendly, you’ve got to be approachable. I was lucky with my connection to Osborne’s Transport, too. Obviously,
I’m getting involved in stuff that my boys do — basketball, swimming, touch — so you get to know quite a lot of people that way as well,” Powell said.
“I don’t do it for the accolades, I do it for the kids. My aim has always been getting kids out and playing sports, doing something rather than sitting at home. I’ll make sure that
we’ve got sponsors that will cover team fees for children when necessary.”
Seven years ago, the club had six junior teams, now it has 13. In the past three years, Marist has also had its own teams in Hamilton competition for the older kids.
Powell said it was a collective achievement. Parents involved like the way it’s run so they come back, while the kids bring their friends.
She would like to recognise departing Te Awamutu Marist committee members, her mother Denise Powell and Bill McLaughlin, for all the behind-the-scenes help over the years.
“But especially Jodi Watson, a rugby coach who became my wonderful friend — for the nomination in the first place!”
Powell has previously received the Jim Stowers Memorial Cup for club personality of the year (2019); the Terry Bennett Memorial Log for Life Members’ Choice (2020) and the Anthony Gibson Memorial Cup for services to the club (2021).
“It is with immense pleasure, but slightly belatedly that I extend my heartfelt congratulations on you being nominated and awarded the prestigious New Zealand Marist Personality of the Year for 2022,” NZ Marist Rugby Football Federation chairman Terry Gittings said.
“Your dedication and remarkable contributions to the Te Awamutu Marist Rugby Club have not gone unnoticed.
“Your exemplary work as the junior rugby delegate and your tireless efforts in promoting grassroots rugby have left an indelible mark on our community.
“Your unwavering support for families facing financial challenges in pursuing their passion for the game is nothing short of extraordinary.
“Sophia, you are a shining beacon in the Marist community and your commitment to the values and principles that Marist holds dear are truly commendable.
“Your dedication to the sport and your selfless acts of kindness have touched the lives of many and for that, we are eternally grateful.”