KEY POINTS:
First awarded in 1967, the New Zealand Herald Junior Sports Awards celebrate their 40th birthday this year when another five young sports people will be recognised for their outstanding ability.
Swim star Alison Fitch has joined the panel of judges who will name their 200th winner next year after looking back on the 2006 sporting year. Fitch, a previous award winner, comes on to the panel in place of another former winner and one-time New Zealand cricket captain, Emily Drumm, who is living and playing in England.
The judges of the awards, which are made in conjunction with the Millennium Institute of Sport and Health, will again acknowledge sporting excellence in selecting their five winners. They can also highly commend up to three further applicants. In the past many great names in sport, including Martin Crowe, Frank Nobilo, Valerie Vili, Sarah Ulmer, Beatrice Faumuina, and Rob Waddell, have had their first recognition through the Herald awards.
The winners will receive $1500 training grants, an engraved medallion and company product. The winners, their parents and coaches/nominees will be guests at an award lunch next year.
All applications, of 400 to 500 words, must include full name, address, telephone number, date of birth, school/club as well as full details and verification of the performances to be considered.
The applicants must be under 20 on December 31, 2006.
All applications, which must be received by December 31, 2006, should be sent to NZ Herald Junior Sports Awards, PO Box 32, Auckland, or sent by fax to 093736428 or by email to maddaford@xtra.co.nz with a copy to sportrac@nzherald.co.nz
