Helping To Get Otago People Active

Sport Otago runs a number of events that support our vision to have every person in Otago leading a healthy, active life.  We also partner with other agenices to help them run events across the region.  Sport groups can get assistance with planning and running events from our experienced staff, and our Sport Central and Sport Clutha offices can also provide advice on traffic management planning.

Events that we are involved with include:

ASB Otago Sports Awards

The annual ASB Otago Sports Awards serve to both celebrate excellence in sporting achievement, and to raise funds for the local Halberg Sport Opportunity programme.  Established in 1990 the awards are the longest running regional sports awards in the country and are widely recognised as one of the signature events of the Dunedin social calendar.  Past winners of the supreme Otago Sportsperson of the Year Award include: Greg Henderson, Jeff Wilson, Tania Murray, Danyon Loader, Alison Shanks, Carl Hayman, Hamish Bond and Adam Hall.

To read a full report on the 2010 ASB Otago Sports Awards click here.

SPARC Volunteer Coach of the Year

The very important contribution made by hundreds of volunteer coaches across our region is recognised every year with the SPARC Volunteer Coach of the Year awards.  The awards run annual in July and August and the national award winners are announced in November.  We know that people don't volunteer to coach to get recognition and thanks, but they are certainly deserving of praise and have earned all the thanks they get.

Push Play

For over ten years now people have known Push Play is about being more active, more often.  The Push Play  programme helps people achieve the minimum of 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity they aim for each day as part of a healthy lifestyle.  Sport Otago has introduced people to a wide variety of sport and recreation options that are available to achieve this goal.  We have organised many events ourselves, such as the Virtual Triathlon, Business House Fun Run, Family Fun Day and Winter Walks Series, and have worked with many sports groups to hold events such as the Big Splash, Martial Arts Day, Have-A-Go days and social tournaments.

Partner Events

Sport Otago works with a number of agencies to deliver events that reach a wide range of the community.  We work with sporting groups, Councils, health agencies and other volunteer groups to increase the number of events that enable people to lead healthy, active lives.  Examples include: BikeWise, the Women's Expo, Activ8 and the Primary Schools Cross Country.

Regional Events 

Our regional offices in Cromwell, Oamaru and Balclutha organise and hold events that reflect the unique needs of their communities.  As well as contributing to increasing activity in their area, our regional coordinators can provide advice on a diverse range of event management issues, including event planning, risk management, budgeting, traffic management, evaluation and more.