Jamie Davidson (left) was presented with a special medal by Callum McNiel at the Tararua Sports Awards held at Tararua College.
There were cheers all around when athlete Jamie Davidson was named Tararua Sportsperson of the Year.
The Pahīatua athlete was one of six nominees in the category, which was one of nine in the Tararua Sports Awards hosted at Tararua College in Pahīatua.
It was a special night for Jamie, who has Down syndrome.
MC Gary Massicks said Jamie was a passionate young man who enjoyed all aspects of sports and
had immersed himself in them since the age of 12.
“Jamie has a lifelong dream of representing his adopted country in sports.
“Thanks to Special Olympics he seized the chance to represent New Zealand, galvanising his community to fundraising efforts to compete in Berlin.”
In June last year, Jamie took part in the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Germany, winning a silver medal in the 100m and bronze in the 400m relay.
However, he was gutted after his performance in the mini-javelin saw him disqualified.
While he achieved his personal best, there were set limits in each division under a Special Olympics rule and Jamie exceeded that.
It was explained last year by a Special Olympics spokesman that each athlete was allocated a division with athletes of similar ability, based on previous results, and there were limits to how well they could do.
But Jamie’s achievement did not go unnoticed by those in the Pahīatua community who helped him in his fundraising efforts.
Callum McNiel decided to design a special medal for Jamie and, with the help of Trevor Jackson, had it made in time to be presented at the Sports Awards.
Tararua District mayor Tracey Collis asked Callum and Jamie up to the stage to present the medal.
“We’ve helped the Davidson family to send Jamie off to the Special Olympics and we were so proud of him.”
Collis said she felt the heartbreak for Jamie and his family following the mini-javelin disqualification.
“This is the community’s way of showing ... the love that we have for you.”
Collis spoke briefly during the awards on the importance of sports.
She said sports were an integral part of the Tararua District and statistics showed the district’s participation rate was well above the national average.
She related the experience of a friend with children who had all achieved to high levels.
“When our children were young, we asked them what their secret to success was.”
Collis said her friend had told her every child had played sport and contributed to a team that required commitment, training and “understanding that you are one part but you all rely on each other”.
“I think it contributes to making good citizens because it isn’t always about you.”
Sport Manawatū chief executive officer Kelly Shanks said there were more than 40 nominations in the awards.
“It’s wonderful to celebrate your amazing achievements.
“Sport and recreation is supported by so many unsung heroes. The parents, the grandparents, the volunteers, the people who wash the uniform.”
Winners:
Sportsperson of the Year - Jamie Davidson
Junior Sportsman of the Year - Brodie Bennett
Junior Sportswoman of the Year - Caley McNair
Admin/Volunteer of the Year - Esther Hutton
Official of the Year - Ken Metekingi
Coach of the Year - Adam Jones and Tony Mansill, and Angus Hutton
Grassroots Club of the Year - Dannevirke Tigers Rugby League Club
Community Active Recreation and Play Award - Ngāti Kahungunu ki Tāmaki nui-a-Rua
Team of the year - Dannevirke High School Smallbore Rifle Shooting
The night also saw three people inducted into Legends of Sport: Suresh Patel QSM for service to sport, Megan Hull for her commitment to high-performance sport and Ken Metekingi for service to netball.
Leanne Warr has been editor of the Bush Telegraph since May 2023 and a journalist since 1996. She rejoined NZME in June 2021.
Notable book inspired by Golden teacher.