Indian Newslink Indian Sports Awards Presentation Night 2013 is shaping up to be a very exciting evening as we select finalists and winners in 15 individual categories and decide on the winners of the Best Sportsman of the Year and Best Sportswoman of the Year Awards.
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.
I extend my best wishes to all the nominees at the Awards Night and I look forward to sharing your success and joy and celebrating your sporting prowess.
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 am happy that the preparations for the Awards Night are well under way and like all sports enthusiasts, sponsors and the members of the judging panel, I am looking forward to the event, which will include dinner and dance at ASB Auditorium, Kohimarama Road from 630 pm on Saturday, April 6, 2013.
Arduous task
As the Convenor of the independent panel of judges, I have had the pleasure of vetting all the nominations that have been submitted.
I am extremely impressed with the calibre of nominations this year and I must say that the judges certainly have their work cut out for them.
I must reiterate that the panel of judges is independent of Indian Newslink and the selection of finalists and winners in each category and the winners of the Supreme Sports Awards will be based on the sporting achievements of the nominees during the past year.
Important category
I look forward with much anxiety and anticipation to the ‘Sports Administrator of the Year Award.’
This is a new category, launched this year, to acknowledge the contribution of individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that things are put in place.
The work that they do, often without the glamour and kudos, ensures that players and teams concentrate on doing what they do best – play sport!
Good administrators complement successful teams and from successful teams we have successful sporting individuals who become role models and catalysts for future sporting aspirations.
A number of exciting nominations have been made for this Award.
Doug Cowie is the judge for this category.
A former International Cricket umpire, he has travelled around the world making important decisions in international cricket test matches.
He has a very important decision to make as he determines the finalists and winner of this prestigious category.
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.
I congratulate Indian Newslink for initiating the Awards Scheme to honour the contributions of the men and women in the community who have done well.
I am under no illusion that this event will be the catalyst for bigger and brighter Sports Awards in the future.
I have always advocated an Awards Scheme to recognise and reward the sporting talent among our men and women. There is a pronounced need to encourage our youngsters to take up sports, to not only boost the image of New Zealand as a sporting nation but also help them to remain physically and mentally fit.
Sergeant Steven Smith (Counties Manukau Police) is the Convener of the Panel of Judges of the Indian Newslink Indian Sports Awards 2013.
Nominations to the various categories of the Awards closed on March 8, 2013. The names of finalists and winners will be announced at the Awards Night, due to be held from 630 pm on Saturday, April 6, at ASB Stadium in Auckland’s Kohimarama. Tickets cost $70 plus GST per person. For details, please contact Ravin Lal, Managing Director and Publisher, Indian Newslink on (09) 5336377 or on mobile 021-753699. Email: ravin@indiannewslink.co.nz
