The finalists for the Central Otago Sports Awards have been announced, covering a wide range of sporting disciplines.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Grand Mercure Oakridge Resort in Wanaka on April 15.
New Zealand sevens rugby representative Dallas Seymour will be guest speaker.
Sport Central regional sports co-ordinator Bill Godsall said the competition across all categories of the awards was of "an extremely high standard as usual".
"This leads to very difficult decisions for the judges. The chosen finalists reflect the sport our community's athletes participate in. It is no surprise they are at the leading edge of international competition. I wish them all the best for the awards," Mr Godsall said.
The finalists are.-Coach of the year: Pete Legnavsky, Wanaka (snowsports); Kathryn Jolly, Queenstown (hockey); David Varney, Wanaka (rowing); Bruce Wells, Wanaka (snowsports); Andy Sainsbury, Alexandra (cricket); Martyn Williamson, Alexandra (cycling).
Team of the year: Otago Country Cricket, Central Otago; Dunstan High School Adventure Racing Team, Alexandra; Alexandra Ladies 7s Bowls Team, Alexandra; Dunstan High School Girls Softball A team, Alexandra; Central Otago boys under-15 hockey team; Alexandra; Bridget and Shaun Becker, Curling, Naseby,Senior women: Joanna Williams, Wanaka (multisport adventure racing); Nicky Samuels, Wanaka (triathlon).
Junior girls: Sophie Williamson, Alexandra (cycling); Saasha Bruce, Wanaka (rowing); Sara Kate McDonald, Clyde (cycling); Jessica Bailey, Wanaka (slalom kayaking); Dana Jenkins, Alexandra (disabled swimming); Holy Wigg, Wanaka (karate).
Senior men: James Williamson, Alexandra (cycling); Ivan Kripper, Wanaka (aerobatics); Dougal Allan, Wanaka (multisport adventure racing); Shaun Scott, Cromwell (bowls); Adam Hall, Wanaka (disabled snowsports); Jossi Wells, Wanaka (snowsports); Carl Murphy, Wanaka (snowsports).
Junior men: Finn Fairbairn, Wanaka (sport climbing); Conner Harrison, Queenstown (ice hockey); Cameron Day, Alexandra (skiing, adventure racing, kayaking); Byron Wells, Wanaka (snowsports); Adam Barwood, Queenstown (snowsports); Jackson Wells, Wanaka (snowsports); Beau James Wells, Wanaka (snowsports).
