The award acknowledged the visibility of his sport, and Wairarapa has been very supportive in that.
"This is such a huge sporting community," he said.
After completing Wairarapa College, Gibbs went to Wellington but "it wasn't the same.
"Coming back to my roots, it's been a lot better."
Another top moment was this year's recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, to Bob Francis.
In a speech prepared by sports editor Gary Caffell, editor Andrew Bonallack outlined Mr Francis' "special niche" in Wairarapa's sporting history.
In Caffell's words, Mr Francis was a person "completely foreign to the word 'no'", taking up many challenges and leading from the front.
Mr Francis' distinguished career as a national and international rugby referee was particularly noted, which concluded in 1988.
More recently, the sporting community will be indebted to Mr Francis for his role in helping to secure artificial turf and lights for Memorial Park.
Mr Francis was humble as he received a standing ovation, telling the audience he had just come along to relax, enjoy the night, and enjoy the words of guest speaker Paul Ifill, the Wairarapa United coach.
He noted he was a rugby man, with a "wonderful time" behind him, but acknowledged the football circles he moved in.
"I've had a long friendship with Phil Keinzley [former Wairarapa United coach].
"I accepted his vision that football could go another level, with a surface and administration."
He said his heart had been in Wairarapa all his life.
"People ask when I'm going to retire, but I love what I do."
He praised the Times-Age for the event.
"Last year was a great awards evening - this has surpassed that."
An evening highlight was an on-stage interview between the editor and Ifill.
The Wairarapa United coach drew laughter with his frank and humorous answers, talking about life as a professional footballer in the UK and in Wellington, and how Australia had really been his first choice to find a niche with the A-league.
