News
Tuesday, 1 June 2021May 27, 2021
Press Release
Hawkes Bay Awards of Excellence winners announced
The best and bravest volunteers, athletes and Surf Lifeguards have been honoured at Surf Life Saving NZ’s Hawkes Bay Awards of Excellence.
Hawke’s Bay Club Support Officer Debbie Moodie says the awards recognise the members who have made major contributions to Surf Lifesaving in the Hawkes Bay.
“It is that time of year to recognise our members that have made major contributions to Surf Lifesaving in the Hawkes Bay. There are a number of people in each club that contribute to this success but we can only recognise a few. Many have put in long hours to achieve success.”
Overall, the lifeguards completed 17 rescues, 42 assists, 36 first aid incidents and 28, 950 people were involved in 4,912 preventative actions.
Senior member Helen Jackson from Ocean Beach Kiwi Surf Lifesaving Club was awarded Lifeguard of the Year. Helen was praised for her punctuality, preparedness and happy demeanour.
Senior member Helen Jackson from Ocean Beach Kiwi Surf Lifesaving Club was awarded Lifeguard of the Year.
Her achievements include dealing with numerous preventative actions, first aid and communicating with the public in the water with a tube/fins, board or IRB.
This season’s Volunteer of the Year is Jacob Crawley for his commitment to the Surf Life Saving New Zealand movement. Jacob was praised for his humility, integrity, reliability and resilience and commended on his service to many others within the Hawkes Bay region.
“His dedication is the epitome of ‘In it For Life’ – when action is required in a voluntary capacity, Jacob is one of the first to put his hand up, both at a club and district level,” says Debbie.
Sportsperson of the Year is Bella Bassett-Foss from Waimarama Surf Lifesaving Club. Bella remains the dominant female athlete in Hawke’s Bay and battles alongside the best in the country at regional and national events.
Sportsperson of the Year is Bella Bassett-Foss from Waimarama Surf Lifesaving Club.
Despite being able to perform at the National Championships, which were unfortunately cancelled, she is the fittest that she has ever been and a significant coach and mentor in the club. Bella is well respected by her teammates for being a dependable and hard trainer.
Surf Life Saving NZ Awards of Excellence are held every year in each SLSNZ region to recognise and celebrate the many club members putting in considerable time, effort and skills at a grass-roots level to make sure Kiwis who head to the beach get home safe.
The regional awards for each area are held May through July and precede the National Awards of Excellence which will be held at a later date. The Hawkes Bay awards are being announced at an event taking place on Saturday 29 May.
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Hawkes Bay Awards of Excellence 2020 Winners
Lifeguard of the Year
Helen Jackson - Ocean Beach Kiwi
Instructor of the Year
Biance Sanko - Waimarama
Coach of the Year
Liam Bowden - Westshore
Most Outstanding Beach Athlete - Male
Corban Watson - Ocean Beach Kiwi
Most Outstanding Beach Athlete - Female
Charlotte Swayn - Westshore
Sportsperson of the Year
Bella Bassett-Foss - Waimarama
Sports Team of the Year
Waimarama U23 Male IRB Team
Masters Sportsperson of the Year
Alistair Hunter - Waimarama
Masters Sports Team of the Year
OBK Masters Hombre Male Boat Crew
Legend Ironman
Jonty Lever - Waimarama
Legend Ironwoman
Bella Bassett-Foss - Waimarama
Most Improved Athlete (Hume Cup)
Harriet Lynch - Westshore
Surf Official of the Year
Sarnia Brewer - Westshore
Outstanding Contribution to Junior Surf
Neil Galland - Westshore
Outstanding Sportsmanship Junior Surf
Lucy Angland - Waimarama
Outstanding Contribution to Powercraft
Taylor Dick - Westshore
Volunteer of the Year
Jacob Crawley - Ocean Beach Kiwi
For more information please contact:
Charlie Cordwell
Central Regional Manager
Phone: 027 557 1015
Email: Charlie.Cordwell@surflifesaving.org.nz
Debbie Moodie
Hawke’s Bay Club Support Office
Phone: 027 421 3506
Email: debbie.moodie@surflifesaving.org.nz
Rajal Middleton
Head of Commercial & Marketing
Phone 027 457 1001
Email: Rajal.Middleton@surflifesaving.org.nz