01-05-2025
BMX coach ‘proud' of award nomination
Cromwell BMX rider, coach and Central Otago Sports Awards Junior Spirit of Central awards finalist Liam King, 13, as he races. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
A teenage BMX coach said he was quite proud to be one of the finalists for the 2025 Forsyth Barr Central Otago Sports Awards, to be held in Wānaka in May.
Cromwell teen Liam King, who had been involved with BMX since he was 5 said he was surprised to hear he had been nominated for the Junior Spirit of Central Award.
"I'm quite proud of myself," he said.
This was not the first award Liam had been nominated for this year, with him being named the South Island Coach of the Year at the 2024 BMX New Zealand Awards for his work coaching Cromwell BMX Club's seven and under riders known as sprockets, something he has done for three years.
"Yeah, it's an honour to be able to teach the young kids and help them improve with themselves," he said.
Liam said he would be absolutely thrilled if he won the award.
Alexandra ice swimming sisters Sophie and Heidi Winter were also announced as finalists in this years awards.
Sophie, 18, was made a finalist for the Sportswoman of the Year award, while 16-year-old Heidi was a finalist for the Junior Sportswoman of the Year.
Sophie said it was great to hear both her and Heidi were finalists.
"We really support each other so it's great to be involved together," she said.
Heidi said since ice swimming was a relatively new sport in Central Otago so it was great to see it get recognised.
When asked about how they would feel should they win the awards, Sophie said there were so many great sportspeople in Central Otago and that it would be great to be alongside them and celebrate together.
Heidi said it would be a nice surprise to win.
The awards ceremony would recognise the outstanding achievements of athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and teams across Central Otago last year.
Sport Central sport and active recreation adviser Jo Knight said the level of competition made it hard for judges to select finalists, let alone winners.
"The level of competition made it incredibly difficult for our judging panel to select finalists, let alone winners. It's a wonderful reflection of the dedication and talent that exists across Central Otago," she said.
This year's finalists include world champions, Olympians and upcoming talents from a variety of sports including BMX, ice hockey, rugby and rodeo as well as coaches and officials.
Sport and active recreation adviser Ben Hamilton said the awards night should be a special celebration for everyone in the Central Otago sports community.
"The Forsyth Barr Central Otago Sports Awards are about more than just celebrating individual success — they're a chance for the whole sporting community to come together and celebrate an amazing year," he said.
The formal awards dinner would be held at the Lake Wānaka Events Centre on May 8.
