Frew was not only a champion table tennis player but a champion of all sports, a one of a kind, the likes of whom Northland, in fact no other New Zealand region, will see again.
Let's hope the same cannot be said of swimmers of the calibre of Davidson, who became one of the world top 400m freestylers before calling it quits to coach and live in the States.
Davidson's message to the sports men and women in the audience: Believe.
Out of a squad of about 100 talented swimmers, Davidson is taking two to a top flight competition this coming week.
What makes those two swimmers stand out? Belief.
And as he tells his proteges, if a kid from Whangarei who learned to swim in a river can make it to the world stage, then anyone can, but only if you believe in yourself.
It was also a pleasure to listen another inductee, Peter Sloane.
And as compere and TV3 sports commentator Hamish McKay said, people should not underestimate the contribution Sloane had made not just to Northland sports, but New Zealand rugby.
Along with the category winners and overall winner Tim Southee (whose sister Jayne impressed with the gracious manner of her "on behalf" acceptances for her brother), congratulations need to go to the organisers. The venue set up was impressive, as was the food and drink service and McKay and Graeme "Sevy" Severinson ticked the evening along nicely with no time over-runs.
Finally, Mike Delaney was delighted to accept the inaugural Sport Northland and Northern Advocate People's Choice award, and did a great job with an impromptu heartfelt, concise acceptance speech, befitting of the award's inaugural recipient.
We were delighted with how the People's Choice award went this year, and can't wait to do it all again in 2012.
