Staff Reporter –
The Indian Newslink Indian Sports Awards Programme is a unique concept that not only encourages young men and women to excel in various sports but also motivates parents, elders, coaches and others to provide appropriate facilities and support, says a top executive of a top company.
Nilesh Prakash
According to Nilesh Prakash, Managing Director of Food 4 Less Supermarket, such Awards have also been helping people to establish a healthy bond with coaches and peers, and most importantly, to remain physically fit.
“Physical fitness and wellness is imperative in the modern world of stress and busy lifestyle,” he said.
Food 4 Less Supermarket is sponsoring the Sports Awards for the fourth consecutive year – in fact, since they were established in 2012. The Company is sponsoring the ‘Best Senior Soccer Player of the Year’ category since soccer is popular with Fijians.
Connecting Community
“We are delighted to be a part of this Indian Newslink initiative. We believe that this newspaper is doing a great job in providing opportunities for sportspeople, especially our youngsters to showcase their achievements. It is great to recognise their achievements and celebrate their success,” he said.
Mr Prakash said that it did not take long for him to decide on the sponsorship.
“In fact, it was easily justified. We are very happy that the Awards programme has helped our company to enhance our image, products and services. There is greater awareness of Food 4 Less Supermarket now than before,” he said.
“Indian Newslink is the main print medium that we use to promote our company launching new products. Food 4 Less Supermarket has three outlets, one each in Otahuhu, (South Auckland), New Lynn (West Auckland) and in Hamilton. We see the Sports Awards Scheme as another great avenue to be with our people,” Mr Prakash said.
Hockey sticks with strength
Suresh Din
Hockey is a great game and I am happy that it is being revived in New Zealand. It is a game that keeps one fit and disciplined,” Suresh Din, Managing Director of Food Safety (NZ) Limited said.
His Company is sponsoring the ‘Best Hockey Male Player of the Year,’ of the Indian Newslink Indian Sports Awards 2015.
Mr Din said that he instantly decided on this category in 2012 as the Indian Newslink Indian Sports Awards was launched.
Growing interest
“There is growing interest in Hockey and our young men and women have the potential to become national and international players. I am happy to observe that several hockey teams for men and women are now functioning to encourage the sport,” he said.
He said that Food Safety (NZ) Limited has the expertise in food safety and liquor and that it has been offering advice and training (or both) since 1996. As well as providing consultancy services, the Company caters to the language needs of the diverse communities across the Greater Auckland region.
“I extend my best wishes to all participants in all categories of the Indian Newslink Indian Sports Awards. I look forward to the Awards Night (on April 22, 2015), which is packed with excitement, entertainment and great food,” Mr Din said.
Entries to the various categories of the Sports Awards closed on March 5 and an independent panel of judges is currently evaluating them.
Encouraging quality
Panel Convenor Steve Smith said that the quality of entries is encouraging.
“I am happy that preparations for the Indian Newslink Indian Sports Awards 2015 are well under way and like all sports enthusiasts, sponsors and the members of the judging panel, I am looking forward to the Dinner and Award presentation night on April 22, 2015 at Alexandra Park, Greenlane, Auckland,” he said.
The Awards Night will be an opportunity for everyone to acknowledge the contributions of sportspersons and celebrate the accomplishments of each of the finalists and winners, he said.
