A new award focused on community impact has been added to the 2022 ILT Southland Sports Awards. 

The Community Impact award will showcase a physical activity initiative which has had a positive impact on the wellbeing of the Southland community. 

Active Southland presents the annual sports awards on behalf of the Southland Amateur Sports Trust and chief executive Brendon McDermott said the new category was a good fit for the regional sports trust’s purpose of enabling Southlanders to lead more active lives. 

“The awards have an important role in inspiring Southlanders by showcasing the outstanding levels of achievement which Southland athletes reach. This new award will highlight more of the great work which is happening across the play, active recreation and sport sector,” McDermott said. 

The traditional categories have all been retained, including the ILT senior sportsperson, Vodafone Junior Sportsperson, Ricoh Coach of the Year, Kia Southland Team of the Year, BDO Administrator of the Year, Creation Signs Official of the Year, NZME Masters Achievement, the Active Southland Services to Sport and the Southland Times People's Choice award. 

The Community Impact award will highlight individuals, groups and organisations who have created a physical activity initiative which has had a positive impact on the community, McDermott said. 

“There has been a lot of innovative thinking happening across the sector, especially over the past couple of years. Funding from sources like the Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa fund have put a premium on inclusion, equity, collaboration and understanding the needs of the community. We are looking forward to celebrating some of the great work which has been happening across the board.” 

While the pandemic has continued to have an impact on national and international sporting events, McDermott said Southland athletes had achieved at a high level over the past 12 months. 

“Despite all the challenges, Southlanders continue to go out and make us proud on the sporting stage. It’s great that we get an opportunity to come together and recognise that achievement as a community.” 

Nominations for the 2022 ILT Southland Sports Awards open on April 20. The finalists will be announced on June 10 and the 2022 ILT Southland Sports Awards evening will be held on July 8. 

Individuals or organisations can nominate across the awards. Nomination forms and information is available at www.activesouthland.co.nz  

Article added: Wednesday 20 April 2022