Sideline Champs: Prizes for sideline fans

Lani Tafiti and Sir Peter Leitch. Photo / Michael Craig

The Mad Butcher, Peter Leitch, became a Sideline Champ yesterday, cheering on his favourite club, the Mangere Hawks.

The businessman, an ambassador for New Zealand rugby league, rewarded fans with certificates for good sideline behaviour - certificates they can redeem for a coffee and a muffin from McCafe.

"I was delighted the vouchers went to well-behaved and dedicated supporters we can all be proud of," he beamed.

In Christchurch, Herald on Sunday editor Bryce Johns also recognised exemplary supporters cheering children's football.

The Herald on Sunday launched the Sideline Champs Awards 2013 around New Zealand yesterday, in association with McCafe. Over the winter sports season, the paper will recognise 15,000 exemplary supporters with certificates, and publish their names in a roll of honour. The 15,000 prizes are worth more than $80,000.

Johns said Sideline Champs ambassadors such as Richard Kahui, Ivan Vicelich and Mika Vukona were an inspiration to young Kiwis but the biggest inspirations were the mums, dads and families. "These people deserve recognition," he said.

The newspaper is also giving away L'Oreal health and beauty prize packs to fans who file match reports on the new Rate my Game website. Last week's winners were Justine Bowden and Sam Swain.