The Forsyth Barr Central Otago Sports Awards is the region's premier night of sporting celebration.
This year's awards ceremony will be held at the Lake Wānaka Centre on May 7, to recognise the outstanding achievements and contributions of Central Otago's athletes, teams, coaches, officials, volunteers and administrators.
More than 60 nominations were received across the 11 categories in 2026, with more than 20 different sporting codes represented, highlighting the depth and diversity of sport in Central Otago. From these, 40 finalists were selected by the judging panel.
The 2026 finalists include Olympians, world champions and emerging stars, as well as the often-unsung heroes in coaching, officiating and administration, across a wide range of sports – from snow sports, ice hockey, canoe slalom, cricket and downhill mountain biking to golf, netball, rodeo, rugby and swimming.
The John Fitzharris Trophy for Services to Sport will also be presented on the night, alongside the induction of two Central Otago sporting figures into the Central Lakes Trust Hall of Fame.
In addition to the judged categories, the Central Otago community is being invited to help decide the Sport Central Sporting Moment of the Year. Sport Central is calling for the public to share their favourite sporting moments from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 that deserve to be recognised.
Last year’s finalists celebrated everything from local club rugby titles and school sport records to world-first achievements and Olympic gold. Nominations will be shortlisted, with finalists then put to a public vote. Please email bhamilton@sportotago.co.nz with your suggestions before April 23.
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