2026 Forsyth Barr Central Otago Sports Awards
The Forsyth Barr Central Otago Sports Awards are the region’s premier celebration of sporting excellence, recognising the outstanding achievements and contributions of Central Otago athletes, teams, coaches, officials, volunteers and community champions.
Run annually by Sport Central, this year's awards were held at the Lake Wānaka Centre on May 7, bringing together the Central Otago sporting community to celebrate success at every level. From emerging young talent and dedicated grassroots volunteers through to Olympians, Paralympians and world-class performers, the awards recognised the people and organisations helping sport and active recreation thrive across the region.
While the achievements celebrated on stage are remarkable, one of the defining themes of the awards is the Central Otago community behind the success. Coaches, officials, whānau, volunteers, mentors and supporters all play a vital role in creating opportunities, building resilience and helping athletes reach their potential.
The awards also celebrate the unique sporting environment Central Otago provides. Across the region, young people have access to a wide range of sporting opportunities that encourage participation, develop skills and inspire future success, whether at a local, national or international level.
Thank you to naming rights sponsor Forsyth Barr and all award sponsors and supporters whose continued commitment helps make this celebration possible. Their support ensures the achievements and contributions of Central Otago’s sporting community can be recognised and celebrated each year.
View the full list of 2026 Forsyth Barr Central Otago Sports Awards winners below.
Forsyth Barr Supreme Award – The Bruce Grant Memorial Trophy: Zoi Sadowski-Synnott
Health 2000 Wānaka Sportswoman of the Year: Zoi Sadowski-Synnott (Snowboard Big Air and Slopestyle)
Central Lakes Construction Sportsman of the Year: Luca Harrington (Freeski Slopestyle and Big Air)
Jennian Homes Team of the Year: SkyCity Stampede (Ice Hockey)
Gallaway Cook Allan Junior Sportsman of the Year: Luke Harrold (Freeski Halfpipe)
Gallaway Cook Allan Junior Sportswoman of the Year: Indy Deavoll (Downhill Mountain Biking)
Orchard Park Coach of the Year: Tom Willmott (Snow Sports New Zealand Park & Pipe Head Coach)
Wānaka Physiotherapy Senior Spirit of Central Otago Award: Murray MacMillan (Rodeo)
Ray White Wānaka Junior Spirit of Central Otago Award: Charlise Wyatt (Touch and Athletics)
Findex Official of the Year: Victoria Beattie (Freeski Judging)
Otago Polytechnic Para Athlete of the Year: Adam Hall (Para Alpine Skiing)
John Fitzharris Memorial Trophy for Services to Sport: Kellie Bailey (Canoe Slalom)
Sport Central Sporting Moment of the Year: Phoebe Laker (Athletics)
Health 2000 Wanaka Sportswoman of the Year
Zoi Sadowski-Synnott (Snowboard, Big Air and Slopestyle)
Alice Robinson (Alpine Skiing – Super-G, Downhill and Giant Slalom)
Olive Watherston (Rugby Sevens)
Central Lakes Construction Sportsman of the Year
Finn Butcher (Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross)
Finley Melville-Ives (Freeski, Halfpipe)
Luca Harrington (Freeski, Slopestyle and Big Air)
Ben Richards (Freeride Ski)
Gallaway Cook Allan Junior Sportswoman of the Year
Hana Carnie (Swimming)
Phoebe Laker (Athletics)
Mischa Thomas (Freeski, Halfpipe)
Michaela Bridgens (Freeski, Slopestyle and Big Air)
Indy Deavoll (Downhill Mountain Biking)
Gallaway Cook Allan Junior Sportsman of the Year
Raphael Anderson (Golf)
Hugo Bogue (Cricket)
Lucas Ball (Freeski, Slopestyle, Big Air and Halfpipe)
Luke Harrold (Freeski, Halfpipe)
Cooper Breen (Freeski, Halfpipe)
Jennian Homes Team of the Year
SkyCity Stampede (Ice Hockey)
Central Otago Women’s Hockey Team
Upper Clutha Rams Rugby Team
Central Otago Men’s Hockey Team
Deanna McCarthy and Broc Mackie (Rodeo)
Dunstan High School U17 Double Sculls – Bella Breen and Katharina Hoffmann
Otago Polytechnic Para Athlete or Para Team of the Year
Corey Peters (Alpine Skiing)
Adam Hall (Alpine Skiing)
Findex Official of the Year
Adam Nagy (Ice Hockey)
Sasha McLeod (Netball)
Victoria Beattie (Freeski)
Flick Wallace (Ski Racing)
Ray White Wanaka Junior Spirit of Central Otago
Isla Reid (BMX)
Liam Rasmussen (Ice Hockey)
Charlise Wyatt (Athletics)
Wanaka Physiotherapy Senior Spirit of Central Otago
Bailey Unahi (Para Sit Ski)
Kirsten Wyatt (Athletics and Touch)
Murray McMillan (Rodeo)
Jane Stevens (Snow Sports)
Orchard Park Coach of the Year
Daniel Bogue (Adaptive Alpine Skiing)
Nils Coberger and Tim Cafe (Alpine Skiing)
Cameron Frear (Ice Hockey)
Lucy Brown (Alpine Skiing)
Tom Willmott (Snowsports Park and Pipe)
Finalists in the the Sportsman, Sportswoman, Junior Sportsman, Junior Sportswoman, Para Athlete/Team and Team of the Year categories are also eligible for the Forsyth Barr Supreme Award, which will be announced on the night.
Gary Anderson Sound and Vision Sportswoman of the Year: Zoi Sadowski-Synnott (Snowboard Big Air & Slopestyle)
Central Lakes Construction Sportsman of the Year: Finn Butcher (Kayak Cross)
Gallaway Cook Allan Junior Sportsman of the Year: Luke Harrold (Freeski Halfpipe)
Health 2000 Wānaka Junior Sportswoman of the Year: Heidi Winter (Ice Swimming)
Jennian Homes Team of the Year: SkyCity Stampede (Ice Hockey)
Workplace First Aid Coach of the Year: Nils Coberger (Alpine Ski Racing)
Otago Polytechnic Para Athlete of the Year: Adam Hall (Skiing)
Ray White Wānaka Junior Spirit of Central Otago Award: Ryan Enoka (Athletics, Karate & Rugby)
Wānaka Physiotherapy Senior Spirit of Central Otago Award: Shane Norton (Football)
Findex Official of the Year: Adam Nagy (Ice Hockey)
John Fitzharris Trophy for Services to Sport: Flick Wallace (Snow Sports)
Forsyth Barr Supreme Award - Bruce Grant Memorial Trophy: Finn Butcher
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Dunedin 9016
sporto@sportotago.co.nz
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