Sports is in our DNA.
The Honda Counties Manukau Sporting Excellence awards was an evening dedicated to celebrating the achievements of the talented athletes, committed coaches, and community heroes across Counties Manukau, made possible with the support of four local boards, Māngere-Ōtāhuhu, Ōtara-Papatoetoe, Papakura and Manurewa.
Photo credit: Counties Manukau Sport.
The event, held on Thursday 21 November at the Papatoetoe Cosmopolitan Club, covered the qualifying period for performance from 1 October 2023 to 30 September 2024.
The Coach of the Year award was sponsored by the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board, while the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board sponsored the Sportswoman award.
With five award nominees, the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Board Chair Tauanu’u Nick Bakulich, says, “The Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board is proud to sponsor the Sportswoman Award, and congratulations to Medea Jones of Papatoetoe Olympic Weightlifting Club, for winning this year. Such a worthy athlete and what an incredible achievement! What an impressive group of nominees for this award. It was fantastic to see several nominees from our Ward, including the Southern Cross Campus Girls Rugby League team, winners of the Junior Team of the Year award and Auckland and NZ Champions. Mahuta Gemmell of Te Kura Māori o Ngā Tapuwae was also recognized as the Junior Sportsman of the Year.”
Māngere-Ōtāhuhu local board chair Tauanu'u Nick Bakulich with the 2024 Sportswoman award winner Medea Jones of Papatoetoe Olympic Weightlifting Club.
The evening was a fantastic chance to enjoy a night of inspiration, recognition, and great company.
Members of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe board included deputy chair Vi Hausia and member Ashraf Choudhary, who were both proud to attend and support the event. Their presence highlights their ongoing commitment to recognising and celebrating local talent and achievements within the community.
Hausia adds, “Manukau has been home to many of New Zealand's top athletes, and these awards are all about continuing our support for the next generation, while also giving a shout-out to the important support networks behind them.”
Ōtara-Papatoetoe board deputy chair Vi Hausia with the winner of the Coach of the Year award won by Simon Kent of Papatoetoe Olympic Weightlifting Club.
Winner of the Coach of the Year award was Simon Kent of Papatoetoe Olympic Weightlifting Club.
The Counties Manukau Board has shared this message on their website, "We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors for their invaluable support in making this evening possible. The awards showcase the incredible range of talent across Counties Manukau, and we hope this celebration inspires more people to get involved in sport. To the exceptional athletes, officials, and volunteers recognised, congratulations! You are the backbone of our community and truly deserving of this recognition. We wish each of you the very best of luck.”
All local boards have proudly served as sponsors of these awards for several years. Manurewa local board sponsored the highly contested Sportsman award won by Cam Roigard of Southern Districts Hockey, and Papakura local board sponsored the Junior Sportsman award, won by Mahuta Gemmell of Te Kura Maori o Nga Tapuwae.
Past recipients include notable figures such as Valerie Adams, Joseph Parker, and Barbara Kendall, among others.
Photo credit: Counties Manukau Sport.
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