Sports awards: Memorabilia auction to benefit disabled athletes

Items to be auctioned this Friday night at the Otago Sports awards are (from left) a Maria Sharapova framed top held by ASB Dunedin branch manager Jon-Paul Jordan, a limited edition New Zealand Maori rugby jersey held by McK managing director Graeme McKinstry, and a 2008 Beijing Olympic rowing suit held by Sport Otago chief executive John Brimble. Photo by Craig Baxter.

A real smorgasbord of items is up for grabs, including a framed golf flag from the 2010 New Zealand Open at The Hills, signed by New Zealand professionals, and a limited edition New Zealand Maori centenary rugby jersey, designed by former Dunedin artist David Burke.

Also in the auction are a Maria Sharapova top from her appearance at this year's ASB Classic; a New Zealand rowing suit from the 2008 Beijing Olympics, signed by the 11 members of the squad; a trip to next year's 2012 Halberg awards; a large bottle of Peregrine Pinot Noir and a women's luxury package from businesses in the St Clair area.

All proceeds from the auction, which is to be conducted by Warwick Grimmer, will go to athletes with disabilities.

About 400 people are expected to attend the awards, with former Olympic rowing gold medallist Rob Waddell the guest speaker.