Sports awards honour Jeff Workman

WELL REGARDED: The late Jeff Workman, his contribution to Wairarapa Maori Sports Awards recognised.PHOTO/FILE

Former Masterton District councillor and Wairarapa hockey identity, the late Jeff Workman, was a major influence behind the establishment of the Wairarapa Maori Sports Awards in 2007.

So it is hugely appropriate that the Jeff Workman Memorial Award has been introduced for the 2015 awards, the winners of which will be announced at a function to be held at Copthorne Solway Park on December 3.

Essentially it will be a people's choice award, with the public being invited to vote for any of the 40 nominees listed on the facebook page. Go to www.facebook.com/wairarapamaorisportsawards.

All they need to do is "like" their favourite and the vote will be cast.

Meanwhile, the finalists have been announced for the Maori Sports Awards with a judging panel responsible for selecting the winners there.

The finalists are:

Tai Tamariki Tane (male primary or intermediate school): Kobe Edge, Kaahurere Mackay, Dontae Russo-Nance

Tai Tamariki Wahine (female primary or intermediate school): Samantha Duthie, Pounamu Mackay, Chakira McEntee.

Tai Pakeke Tane (senior male): Lance Bryant, James Goodger, Aperahama Hurihanganui.

Tai Pakeke Wahine (senior female): Elleshia Clarkson, Talia Hullena, Pagan Rimene.

Tai Ohi Wahine (Junior female): Vania Mason, Heni Metcalf, Aroha Witinitara.

Tai Ohi Tane (junior male): Joseph Teofilo, Chance Ropiha.

Te roopu o te tau (team): Makoura College senior A netball, Solway Sapphires netball, St Patrick's Diamonds netball.

Kaiarahi (coach): Carlene Karaitiana, Ivan Karaitiana, Rima Marurai.

Tino Tautoko (contribution): Kendall Peterson, Bailee Potangaroa, Keely Riwai-Couch.

-Tickets for the awards function went on sale this week.