Press Releases
SPARC Future Champions Announced
6 Dec 2004
562 athletes from 192 secondary schools were recognised today as SPARC Future Champions.
The Awards acknowledge New Zealand’s promising young athletes at three different levels:
- Finalist - Achieved at a local level - 284
- Highly Commended - Represented the region at national level - 217
- Champion - Achieved at a national level or above - 61
SPARC chief executive Nick Hill said the high number of nominees reflected the talent and passion for sport that exists throughout New Zealand.
“From those like Corney Swanepoel who have participated at an international level, to 15 year old Timaru Girls’ High School powerlifter Natasha Armstrong, young people all over New Zealand are dedicating themselves to sport.
“The comments on the nomination forms were particularly inspiring. Our young athletes are displaying drive, determination, leadership qualities and the ability to learn quickly. These are skills that will benefit these athletes both on and off the sports field. SPARC is delighted to acknowledge them through the Future Champion Awards.”
Athletes from 37 different sports were nominated from their regions as SPARC Future Champions - from the traditional rugby, cricket and netball, to sports as diverse as orienteering, fencing and sport climbing.
Highly commended athletes receive a certificate of achievement from SPARC. Champion athletes receive a certificate, SPARC Future Champions branded hooded top, beanie, bag and medal.
Past recipients of SPARC Future Champions Awards include Palmerston North teenager, Kayla Sharland, a member of the Black Sticks hockey team in Athens; multi-sporter Terenzo Bozzone; Commonwealth Games Silver Medallist, Valerie Adams; and cricketer, Daniel Vettori.
The SPARC judging panel comprised Mike McHugh, SPARC Coaching Consultant and coach of Wellington Saints basketball team; Debbie Matoe, SPARC Relationship Manager and ex-Silver Fern; and Dale Eagar, SPARC Education Advisor and programme manager for the Awards.
Comments on nomination forms:
“Outstanding leader in soccer. The most hard-working player in the team who leads by example.”
“A hard running, hard hitting prop. Blessed with great talent and tremendous physical attributes. Shows great humility and is an excellent role model for all young athletes.”
“A quiet, determined achiever across a range of sports. Exhibits great qualities of humility, commitment and loyalty and has been a great performer for the school.”
“Achieving at the highest level showing skill, determination and dedication with no cost to her school studies – a truly balanced individual”.
“A fierce competitor, he shows all the qualities such as commitment, strength, humility and determination that will ensure he is successful in whatever sport he decides to pursue”.
“A focussed athlete who represents the school, herself and her family to the best of her ability. A great role model not only to the junior team she coaches but to the wider school community.”
“An extremely talented sportswoman, her knowledge and ability to grasp skills and lead be example is beyond her years. She is also a Sports Captain and an excellent role model for our school. Playing hard but fair, her humble manner shows true character – she will be one of our future champions.”
And a comment about an individual in for two sports who could have been in for more:
”She has the power of a shot-putter, the timing and accuracy of a golfer, the fitness and agility of a netballer, the upper body strength of a paddler and the commitment and focus that makes her a true all round sports woman.”
Updated | 30 Mar 2006.
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