The Mid Canterbury Sport and Recreation Awards delivered a standout evening, celebrating the depth of sporting contribution across Mid Canterbury, from students reshaping how movement fits into daily school life to athletes competing on the world stage and volunteers giving decades of service.

Sport Canterbury Mid Canterbury Community Advisor Alice Breading said the awards night was one of the highlights of the Mid Canterbury sporting calendar.

“This evening brought together everything that makes Mid Canterbury sport special,” Breading said.

“There was a real sense of pride in the room, celebrating achievement, commitment, and the people who give so much to sport at every level.”

That legacy was front and centre with the induction of a new Mid Canterbury Sporting Legend, Commonwealth Games rifle shooter John Snowden, who won gold in the open full bore rifle pairs at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

One of the special moments of the evening came with the recognition of Active As at Ashburton College, recipient of the New World Ashburton Community Sport and Recreation Impact Award. The student‑led programme has changed how movement fits into everyday school life, creating inclusive opportunities that prioritise belonging, wellbeing, and participation beyond traditional sport settings.

Alongside community impact, the evening also celebrated achievement on the competitive stage. Ashlee Strawbridge was named Kilworth Insurance and Investment Sportsperson of the Year following another strong year representing New Zealand internationally in basketball, with Eliza McKenzie, Monique Brake, and Chloe Peck also honoured for standout achievements across youth, masters, and para sport.

Team effort and leadership were recognised through the success of the Mid Canterbury Rugby Heartland Team, named Hotel Ashburton Sports Team of the Year after an unbeaten season culminating in the Meads Cup title. That campaign was further acknowledged with Matt Winter being named Trident Homes Ashburton Coach of the Year.

The evening also celebrated the people whose commitment sustains sport across Mid Canterbury. Seija Parkkali Glew and Mathieu Lucas were acknowledged for volunteer service and officiating excellence, while Mike Southby received the Sport Canterbury Robilliard Award for Outstanding Service to Sport, acknowledging decades of contribution to cricket in the region.

Mid Canterbury Sport and Recreation Awards 2026 – Winners

New World Ashburton Community Sport and Recreation Impact Award
Active As – Ashburton College – School‑based active recreation

Trident Homes Ashburton Coach of the Year
Matt Winter – Rugby

Ashburton Courier Official of the Year
Mathieu Lucas – Tennis

Greg Donaldson Contracting Volunteer of the Year
Seija Parkkali Glew – Dressage

Hotel Ashburton Sports Team of the Year
Mid Canterbury Rugby Heartland Team – Rugby

Heartland Print Masters Sportsperson of the Year
Monique Brake – Cycling

Lincoln University Outstanding Youth in Sport
Eliza McKenzie – Cycling & Smallbore Rifle Shooting

Kilworth Insurance and Investment Sportsperson of the Year
Ashlee Strawbridge – Basketball

Ashburton District Council Para‑Athlete of the Year
Chloe Peck – Wheelchair Basketball

Sport Canterbury Robilliard Award for Outstanding Service to Sport
Mike Southby – Cricket

Article added: Tuesday 12 May 2026