Local sports stars recognised at Central Otago Awards

The 2024 Forsyth Barr Central Otago Sports Awards has recognised our best local athletes and also established a new Hall of Fame.

The first three inductees into the Hall of Fame were Valmai Breen, Softball, Simone Maier, Multisport, and John Roche Golf.

The Junior Sportswomen and Sportsman category was hotly contested. This year Lucia Georgalli and Luke Harrold, both Snowsports athletes and Youth Olympic Games medalists, came out on top from large fields of talent.

Health 2000 Junior Sports woman- Lucia Georgalli (snowboarding)

Gallaway Cook Allan Junior Sportsman- Luke Harrold (skiing)

Senior sportsman was won by golfer Ben Campbell, from the likes of Hayden Paddon, Ben Richards and Finn Butcher.

Bike it Now Sportsman of the year- Ben Campbell (Golf)

Alice Robinson (main image) won the Senior Sportswomen of the year after a standout season with 5 podium finishes at World level. She went on to win the overall Forsyth Barr Supreme award, the Bruce Grant Memorial Trophy.

Here's the full list of winners:

John Fitzharris trophy for services to sport- Rae Paterson (Gymnastics)
Workplace First Aid Coach of the year- Michael Beable (athletics)
Health 2000 Junior Sports woman- Lucia Georgalli (snowboarding)
Gallaway Cook Allan Junior Sportsman- Luke Harrold (skiing)
Central Lakes Trust Hall of Fame- Simone Maier (multi sport)
Central Lakes Trust Hall of Fame- Valmai Breen (Softball)
Central Lakes Trust Hall of Fame- John Roche (Golf).
Kelly & Duncan Good, Ray White Real Estate Junior Spirit of Central Otago- Maggie Dowling (luge)
Wanaka Physio Senior Spirit of Central Otago – Rob Bruce (rowing).
Findex Official of the year- Sasha McLeod (netball)
Southern Lakes Motors Para athlete of the year- Adam Hall (ski racing).
Gary Anderson Senior Sportswoman of the year- Alice Robinson (Ski racing)
Bike it Now Sportsman of the year- Ben Campbell (Golf)
Jennian Homes Team of the year- Dunstan Arm Rowing Senior mens quad.
Forsyth Barr Supreme Winner- Alice Robinson