Steven Smith
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.
We have received nominations for the various categories and wish to encourage sports clubs to nominate their best players for the Awards.
Young Achievers
The Young Achievers Category provides an opportunity for parents to enter their children. This Category is open to boys and girls aged between 9-14 years in any sport.
This concept has been initiated to get the young ones involved in sports and foster them to become shining stars in various sports.
I am pleased that the members of the wider Indian community are contributing to the success of sporting teams at club, provincial and international levels.
Good recognition
The Awards Night will be an opportunity for everyone to acknowledge the contributions of our sportspersons and celebrate the accomplishments of each of the finalists and winners.
Having been involved with various sporting teams over the years, I am aware of the sacrifices and commitment required to participate in events, let alone compete in them.
I congratulate Indian Newslink for initiating the Awards Scheme to honour the contributions of the men, women and young achievers in the community who have done well in their chosen field of sports.
Growing popularity
When we launched the Awards Scheme in 2012, we were confronted with the usual apprehensions, punctuated by anxiety and even second thoughts.
“Will it Work? Will commercial organisations support the project with their patronage and sponsorship? Will there be sufficient entries to justify the Awards Scheme?
It worked as many business houses waved their flags for sponsorship and now the Sports Awards Scheme is in its fourth year.
This newspaper has created a new vista for our sportsmen and sportswomen to foster skills.
I am sure that an increasing number of our people will participate in the years to come.
Title Sponsor
Global Financial Services Limited is the Title Sponsor of the Indian Newslink Indian Sports Awards for the second consecutive year. A number of well-known companies are sponsors of individual categories.
A Panel of judges, independent of this newspaper, is evaluating entries to the Awards Scheme. I am privileged to be the Convenor of the Panel.
The names of finalists and winners in the 13 individual categories and the winners of the Supreme Sportsman of the Year and the Supreme Sportswoman of the Year will be announced at the Awards Night on April 22.
The Awards Night will be exciting, providing an opportunity for everyone to acknowledge the contributions of our sportspersons and celebrate the accomplishments of each of the finalists and winners.
This is an ideal occasion for friends and families to get together, encourage and applaud the sportsmen and women. Our guests can expect quality Halal buffet dinner and make use of the cash bar and kava corner.
For entry forms, contact Ravin Lal on (09) 5336377 or 021-753699.
Email:ravin@indiannewslink.co.nz
