Call goes out to tomorrow's sporting stars - it's Herald awards time again

New Zealand Herald Future Stars of Sport winners 2014. From left: Gemma Jones (sailing), Ella Williams (surfing), Brook Robertson (rowing), Sam Gaze (mountain biking) and Jamie-Lee Price (netball). Photo / Jason Oxenham

The Herald is again calling for entries for its annual Future Stars of Sport awards, which will recognise six up-and-coming Kiwi athletes with a trophy, product pack and a $1500 training grant.

The awards started in 1968, and since then some of the biggest names in New Zealand sport have been acknowledged. They include cricketer Martin Crowe, rower Rob Waddell, shot putter Valerie Adams and golfer Lydia Ko.

The awards are aimed at those under 20 who have started to make their mark at a national or international level.

Last year's winners were Sam Gaze (mountain biking), Gemma Jones (sailing), Jamie-Lee Price (netball), Brook Robertson (rowing), Ella Williams (surfing) and Tai Wynyard (basketball).

Several from that group have already hit the headlines.

Gaze won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Williams last year claimed a world junior title and Wynyard was last month recruited to play at the prestigious University of Kentucky in the United States.

If you think you have what it takes to reach the top, or if you know a young sportsperson who could be a contender, send in an application before April 10.

To submit an entry
Include full name, address, school (if appropriate), contact details, and a full explanation of the performance to be considered, including relevant statistical information.

Please keep submissions to fewer than 500 words.

Applications must be made with the athlete's permission and be supported by a coach, parent, school or club secretary.

Email your entries to futurestars@nzherald.co.nz or post to Future Stars of Sport, c/o Sarah Lawrence, NZ Herald, PO Box 32, Auckland.