Whanganui sports hall of fame

Whanganui Sports Hall of Fame chairwomen Sue Westwood opens the door for nominations of future inductees.

Nominations are now open for the Whanganui Sports Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame recognises sporting achievement by athletes and coaches who have made a significant impact on Whanganui's sporting heritage.

Administered by Whanganui District Council, inductees are selected by a panel comprising Ron Palenski (Chief Executive of the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in Dunedin), John Phillips (former Wanganui Chronicle Sports Editor), Sue Westwood (former Whanganui District Councillor), Mark Stoneman (businessman and multisport event organiser), Ken Mair (Whanganui Iwi representative) and Keith Smith (Whanganui District Council Sport and Recreation Contract Manager).

Chairperson Sue Westwood says the judges are encouraging nominations from individuals and clubs for the 2017 induction.

"In Whanganui we have always been so fortunate to have produced so many talented sportspeople who have done themselves and us proud on local, national and international scenes. This is the opportunity to publicly recognise their legacy and contribution," she says.

To be eligible for the Hall of Fame, nominees must be from the Whanganui District, by birth or adoption, have been retired at least five years from top competition, represented New Zealand at senior level and/or contributed positively to, and brought credit to, sport in the District.

Among those first inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in 2008 were Billy Webb and Philippa Baker-Hogan (rowing), Arthur Porritt (athletics), Ron Cheatley (cycling) and the Coleman family (Percy, Rod and Bob) for motorcycling.

The most recent inductee (2016) was Nikki Payne. A rower, Nikki made history at the 1988 summer Olympic Games in Seoul when she and partner Lynley Hannen finished third in the women's coxless pair to give New Zealand its first ever Olympic women's rowing medal.

A full list of previous winners, as well as a nomination form, can be found at www.whanganui.govt.nz/sportshall

Nomination forms are also available from the Customer Services Counter, Municipal Office Building, 101 Guyton Street. Nominations close on Friday, 22 September 2017.