From a record pool of 340 nominations, 163 individual and three team Finalists, have been named to contend the annual ASB Northland Secondary School Sports Awards. A total of 21 Northland Secondary Schools are represented from Kaitaia to Wellsford.

These awards acknowledge the outstanding sporting achievements of students in recognised Secondary School sport, like golf and rowing as well as achievements in sporting codes not offered at a Secondary School level, like boxing and pistol shooting. A total of 43 sporting codes will be represented. 2016 Finalist list found Click here

Major awards from code winners deemed to have the highest sporting achievement in a sport not offered at Secondary School level will be presented for ASB Excellence, male and female. The ASB Sportsman of the Year and Sportswoman of the Year will be named from all code winners in recognised Secondary School sport. The Team of the Year will also be named.

Regional Sports Director, Robyn Richards has been overwhelmed with the support from schools, parents and coaches for the event. “Every year we seem to sneak in a few more nominations than the year before. We certainly don’t expect that. But it seems that our secondary school students are making sure that their achievements are being noted. Good on them for that!”

This year will be the 25^th anniversary of the annual event. Richards has been busy contacting and inviting former winners of the Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year titles. “We have a few winners coming but a lot now have families and quite a few live overseas so won’t be able to join us. However, I do feel fortunate to have secured the 1992 Sportswoman of the Year and the student speaker, both originally from Bay of Islands College.” Richards has also been compiling a commemorative book featuring photos from each of the awards nights from 1992. It will be available for purchase after this year’s event in order to represent all 25 years.

This year’s Awards evening will take place in the ASB Stadium on Thursday October 27. Finalists and their whanau will be able to purchase tickets from Sport Northland reception from October 10. An online system will also be available for ticket purchases at Click here All inquiries in regard to the event should be made to Robyn Richards at Sport Northland.

In addition to the Awards night, ASB are offering all winners the opportunity to attend a Performance Pathway Day on December 7. “This was a very successful and worthwhile concept last year. We are extremely grateful to ASB for ensuring it could continue,” said Richards. Details of this day will be provided to winners following the Awards night.