Held at the Lake Wānaka Centre and hosted by Sport Central, the awards recognised not only remarkable achievements by Central Otago athletes over the past year, but the support from coaches, officials, volunteers, families, programmes and grassroots opportunities.
Sport Central sport and active recreation adviser Jo Knight said the speakers reflected on the role the Central Otago sporting community had played in creating opportunities, building resilience and inspiring athletes to dream big.
Central Otago multisport legend Bill Godsall was one of two Central Otago sporting figures inducted into the Central Lakes Trust Hall of Fame for his long-standing contribution to Central Otago sport and dedication to supporting athletes and the wider sporting community.
Adam Hall was recognised for his outstanding contribution to New Zealand para snow sports and an international career spanning multiple Paralympic Games, including six Paralympic medals.
Godsall, an eight-time Otago Marathon champion, multiple Southern Traverse winner and 14-time Coast to Coast competitor, spent more than two decades helping create sporting opportunities for young people across the region.
"All we ever tried to do was create opportunities for people to be the best they could be," Godsall said.
"Success isn’t just about one athletic achievement or one event — it’s about all the people along the way who make it happen."
Godsall grew up in Kurow and moved to Cromwell with his wife, Irene, to work as a drilling manager on the Clyde dam.
His athletics adventures started while his wife was on holiday about 40 years ago.
In her absence, Godsall decided to train and run a marathon.
Fifty marathons later and a little sick of just pounding the pavement, Godsall started entering multisport events.
He spent 22 years working for Sport Central, playing a key role in events including the Central Otago Sports Awards, Bannockburn Mountain Bike Classic and Cromwell Triathlon.
The John Fitzharris Memorial Trophy for services to sport was awarded to Kellie Bailey in recognition of her outstanding contribution to canoe slalom over more than 30 years.
Bailey played a pivotal role in the growth and development of the sport locally, nationally and internationally through
her work as a technical official, administrator and mentor.
Olympic gold medallist Finn Butcher and father Dale Butcher, of Alexandra, both shared personal reflections on the role Bailey had played in their family’s canoe slalom journey.
"She’s put together a fabulous national officials team, and without her, the races couldn’t be run across New Zealand," Dale said.
"Myself, Finn and the rest of the crew absolutely admire her for the dedication and support she’s put into the sport."
Finn also acknowledged Bailey’s journey from helping organise local events on the Hāwea River to officiating at Olympic Games.
"I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving," Finn said.
Wānaka’s Zoi Sadowski-Synnott was named Health 2000 Wānaka Sportswoman of the Year and recipient of The Bruce Grant Memorial Trophy — the overall Forsyth Barr Supreme Award.
The Sport Central Sporting Moment of the Year award, decided by public vote and attracting more than 650 votes, was won by athlete Phoebe Laker, who became the youngest New Zealand female ever to run 400m in under 54sec.
The Spirit of Central Otago awards recognised two people whose contribution and commitment continue to positively impact sport across the region, as Murray MacMillan (rodeo) was honoured with the Wānaka Physiotherapy Senior Spirit of Central Otago award and Charlise Wyatt (athletics & touch) received the Ray White Wānaka Junior Spirit of Central Otago award.
2026 Forsyth Barr Central Otago Sports Awards winners:
• 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)
• Findex Official of the Year: Victoria Beattie (Freeski Judging)
• Otago Polytechnic Para Athlete of the Year: Adam Hall (Para Alpine Skiing)
