Awards dinner 2026
celebrating 60 years

On Saturday 3 October, we will celebrate the 60th Anniversary of our organisation alongside our annual Awards Dinner at the Waipuna Conference Centre. This milestone event honours 60 years of impact, achievement and community since our establishment in 1966. Bringing together athletes, volunteers, staff, supporters and partners, the evening will celebrate the people who have shaped our organisation and continue to champion inclusive sport, recreation and play.

The event will feature our official Awards Ceremony, recognising outstanding members of our community across seven award categories, alongside a buffet dinner, cash bar, raffle prizes and entertainment in a formal setting.

Saturday 3rd October
6:00pm - 10:00pn
Waipuna Conference Centre
Smart Casual
Cash Bar

Tickets on sale soon!

Our Awards Dinner is only possible thanks to the support of our incredible community. Whether through sponsorship, donations, or other contributions, there are many ways you can help make this year's event extra special. If you'd like to get involved, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch here!

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.

AWARD CATEGORIES

SPORTSWOMAN of the year

This award recognises an outstanding sportswoman who has performed to an exceptional level during 2026. 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.

SPORTSMAN of the year

This award recognises an outstanding sportsman who has performed to an exceptional level during 2026. 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.

Programme 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

ROOKIE 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.

COACH OF THE YEAR

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.

VOLUNTEER 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 2026. The recipient has demonstrated exceptional commitment, performed at a high level, and served as a positive ambassador for Disability Sport Auckland.

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.

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!