2010 Northland Sports Awards

Matthew and Nicky with their Northland Sports Awards Trophies

On the 3rd December, the Northland Sports Awards were held at Kensington stadium, Whangarei. This is an annual affair where the best of Northland sports men and women gather for recognition of their acheivements over the past year. This year Shitokai New Zealand had two finalists, Matthew and Nicky in the code award section, winning both the male and female code awards

The other big award was the -21 sportsperson of the year award, selected from the Northland's under 21 sports men and women. After Nicky's Oceania Gold medal in Senior women kata and the Northland Secondary Schools Sportswoman of the year award, place her ahead of the competition by winning the -21 award.

Nicky had some stiff competition from several high performing young Northland athletes over different codes, but the judges recognised Nicky's 2010 acheivements and awarded her the title. I have coached both Nicky and Matthew since they started Karate at the age of nine and I have watched both of them, including my other young Dan grades, grow into fine young people with huge futures in front of them.

Nicky's award, the Gary Frew Memorial Trophy, which is a most prestigious award, has opened quite a few doors for her, plus the award carries a bonus of a cash grant as well, which, as Nicky says, will help no end with her competition costs next year. It is also great to see Karate gaining some well earned recognition in Northland and this recognition will help all Northland clubs. For Nicky, it is but a stepping stone to greater acheivements in the future, and at the moment the world is her oyster.

Neither Nicky nor Matthew have self opiniated views of themselves and both are humble in the extreme about their acheivements. Congratulations to both of you. The club and I are so very proud of you! Bob Dalton