From grassroots heroes to global champions, the event at Wigram Airforce Museum brought together more than 340 people from Canterbury's sporting community.
Two sportspeople were inducted into the esteemed Star Media Sporting Legends of Canterbury ranks.
Netballer Julie Seymour and para-athlete, the late Graham Condon, were honoured for their remarkable contributions to sport - on and off the field.
They join a prestigious group of 30 other illustrious athletes previously named Sporting Legends of Canterbury.
"There are so many of these legends that I have looked up to, so I am truly humbled and honoured to now be a part of that group,” said Seymour.
The Sport Canterbury supreme award was claimed by the Wheeler Motor Group Canterbury Rams after they won their first National Basketball League title in 31 years last season.
"I am immensely proud of what our team has accomplished and to win this trophy and be named from the list of such amazing sports teams is a real privilege, that’s for sure," said Rams captain Taylor Britt.
Rams head coach Judd Flavell said: "This recognition is a testament to all the work and all the energy from a lot of people behind the scenes that helped get us to the title."
World champion women’s lawn bowler, Tayla Bruce, was named Craigs Investment Partners high-performance athlete of the year.
Bruce said she was “stunned to receive the award and honoured to be a finalist alongside Sam Whitelock, Courtney Smith, Olivia Brett and Paul Coll".
"Congratulations to those inspirational athletes for their sporting achievements over the past year," Bruce said.
The Lincoln University junior sports person of the year title went to Black Ferns sevens player, Jorja Miller.
Miller was recognised for her outstanding achievements on the global stage.
"This has all happened so quickly for Jorja, it’s a bit of a blur really but we are very proud of her and her achievements to date,” said Miller's mother, who collected the award on her daughter's behalf.
Miller was in Hong Kong with the Black Ferns sevens team for a World Rugby event.
The youth award category had 26 nominations, underscoring the depth of emerging talent in the region.
Community sports initiative, the Unbreakable Foundation’s Safe Gains Programme, clinched the Connetics diversity and inclusion award.
The programme, designed to support the well-being of rainbow communities, particularly trans individuals, has already received more than 70 registrations in just seven months.
"We are very new, and this is unexpected recognition, but it’s a really nice boost to know we are doing such important work, and this will help us grow and ultimately help more people,” said programme lead Yvette Merrin.
2024 Canterbury Sport and Recreation Awards - Winners
Connetics community diversity & inclusion impact award
- Unbreakable Foundation - Safe Gains Programme
University of Canterbury coach of the year - community
- Tracy Mangels - West Melton Netball Club
University of Canterbury coach of the year - high performance
- James Schroder – Powerlifting
Gallagher Insurance volunteer of the year
- Keith Gilby - Football
Douglas Furniture and Joinery official of the year - community
- Rebecca Reside - Netball
Douglas Furniture and Joinery official of the year - high performance
- Gareth Greenfield - Hockey
Lincoln University outstanding youth in sport
- Jorja Miller – Rugby
Anstice Optometrist para athlete of the year
- William Stedman – Athletics
Craigs Investment Partners sportsperson of the year - community
- Rosie Falcous - Surf Life Saving
Craigs Investment Partners sportsperson of the year - high performance
- Tayla Bruce - Lawn Bowls
Orix sports team of the tear - community
- Technical Netball Club A Team – Netball
Blackwells Mazda sports team of the year - high performance
- Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams - Basketball
Christchurch City Council - supreme award
- Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams - Basketball
