Call for Hutt Valley sport nominees
‘‘The 1500m is a glamour event and last yearWillis became the oldest medallist in Olympic history at the Rio Games.’’
Nick Willis looks to be the front runner for the Hutt Valley Sports Awards.
Organiser Ken Laban said it was again time for local clubs and sports lovers to put in their nominations.
Last year, the Lower and Upper Hutt awards were merged to cover the Hutt Valley.
International cricket umpire Cathy Cross had the honour of being the first Valley-wide winner and Laban was again expecting a high standard.
Veteran 1500m runner Nick Willis won the overall title at the Lower Hutt Sports Awards in 2011 and he could feature again in 2017.
The 1500m is a glamour event and last year Willis became the oldest medallist in Olympic history at the Rio Games.
Although he lives in America, he went to Hutt Valley High School and maintains close links with Lower Hutt.
Upper Hutt blind swimmer Mary Fisher is also a possible winner. She won gold at the Rio Paralympics, setting a new world record on the way to winning the 100m backstroke S11.
Rugby could also feature, courtesy of Cory Jane and Brad Shields. Laban said that Shields was a hugely under-rated footballer who had been desperately unlucky not to play for the All Blacks. He was a key to the Hurricanes tight defence and always gave 100 per cent in their title winning effort.
The awards have a legend category and Laban said although he could not identify this year’s inductee it would be a popular choice.
Picking legends was not easy and the inductee was someone who was well known in sporting circles and highly regarded nationally.
Laban said merging the awards had been a success and he was looking forward to seeing who the judges selected.
There are 10 categories and nomination close on Friday April 7. The awards dinner is on May 18 at the Walter Nash Stadium.