Awards dinner 2025
On Saturday 4th October, we proudly hosted our Annual Awards Dinner at Go Media Stadium. This was a spectacular event, highlighting our community and all the remarkable achievements from athletes, coaches, volunteers, supporters and families.
We want to extend a massive thank you to all the event supporters, the evening would not have been possible without your ongoing and generous support.
View the list of award winners and the full gallery of photos below!
Award winners 2025
James Haydon
Athlete of the Year
Matt Hoani
Rookie of the Year
Table Tennis
Programme of the Year
Cat Wilson
Spirit of Disability Sport Auckland
Charli Gardiner-Hall
Youth of the Year
Steve O’Kane
Coach of the Year
Gabby Wright & Jaden Movold
Volunteer of the Year
AWARD CATEGORIES
Each year at our Awards Dinner, we proudly present seven awards to outstanding members of our community.
Each award features three finalists, nominated by friends, family, teammates, or coaches in recognition of their dedication, progress, and achievements over the past year.
Below is the criteria for each award. Stay tuned as we will be announcing finalists soon!
This award recognises an outstanding sportsperson who has performed to an exceptional level during 2025. The recipient consistently demonstrates a positive attitude, supports their teammates and upholds the values of fair play. The recipient has represented Disability Sport Auckland with distinction and contributed as an ambassador to their sport and Disability Sport Auckland.
Athlete of the year
This award recognises a programme that has achieved excellence in delivery and successful outcomes. The recipient is committed to providing positive and inclusive sport, recreation, or play opportunities for the disability community and has actively contributed to the service, development, and growth of the programme in collaboration with Disability Sport Auckland
Programme of the year
This award recognises an athlete who has participated in their sport for up to two years and has shown strong commitment to both training and competition. The recipient consistently demonstrates dedication, whilst performing with a sense of fair play and sportsmanship.
ROOKIE of the year
This award recognises an individual who actively embraces new opportunities and consistently supports fellow members. The recipient demonstrates fair play, advocates for inclusion and accessibility in our community and serves as an outstanding ambassador for Disability Sport Auckland.
SPIRIT OF DSA
This award recognises a coach who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and inclusion, creating a positive, adaptive environment where all athletes felt empowered to reach their full potential. The recipient has played a key role in the development and growth of a programme while being an outstanding ambassador for Disability Sport Auckland.
COACH OF THE YEAR
This award recognises a volunteer who has made an outstanding contribution to one or more Disability Sport Auckland events, programmes, or sports during 2025. The recipient has demonstrated exceptional commitment, performed at a high level, and served as a positive ambassador for Disability Sport Auckland.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
YOUTH OF THE YEAR
This award recognises an athlete up to the age of 21, who actively embraces new opportunities in sport, recreation, and play. The recipient consistently demonstrates a positive attitude during programmes and events, supports their teammates, upholds the values of fair play, and represents Disability Sport Auckland with distinction.
