International hockey player Anita McLaren shone the brightest among a galaxy of sporting stars at the 2018 ASB Nelson Sports Awards on Saturday night.

McLaren capped another superb season on the world stage by being recognised as the very best in her home town with the ultimate award on the night, the ASB Sportsperson of the Year trophy.

In presenting the award, ASB’s Michael Norton described McLaren as a dedicated sportswoman who had competed at the highest level.

“Anita is an incredibly deserving recipient of this award, and we’re thrilled to be able to recognise her progress and success over her nine year international career,” Norton said. “Some of New Zealand’s top athletes have come from Nelson, and gone on to compete, and win, at events such as the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics."

“It’s great to be able to recognise these talented Kiwis in their hometown amongst friends and family.”

The dynamic midfielder, who scored a record 105 goals from her 271 appearances for the Black Sticks, announced her retirement from the top level in October. She capped a glittering career with a gold medal at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April, adding to the silver and bronze medals she previously won in 2010 and 2014.

Over 300 guests packed the Annesbrook venue to congratulate the various category winners and celebrate a year of success across a huge number of sports.

Ninety three nominees were received across 32 sports for the awards, with winners being selected by a panel of 4 judges, being announced on the night.

McLaren was named the Bowater Motor Group Sportswoman of the Year, before going on to receive the major prize, while the Nelson Pine Sportsman of the Year award was taken out by the NZ rugby sevens duo of Andrew Knewstubb and Trael Joass.

The MoreFM Nelson Sports Team of the Year was the Tasman Men’s Rugby Sevens side, softballer Josh Kelly was the Sport Tasman Junior Sportsman of the Year, while rugby sevens player Risaleeana Pouri-Lane was named Continental Event Hire Junior Sportswoman of the Year.

The Stuff Junior Sports Team of the Year was the Waimea College Go412 Adventure Racing Team, the Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco Masters Sportsperson of the Year was won by Kereama Payn from waka ama and the ASB Coach of the Year was athletics mentor Dennis Kale.

Several Rata Foundation Lifetime Contribution to Sport awards were made to those who had given lengthy service to their particular sports. They went to Tony Peacock (rugby); Steve Mitchell (rugby/boxing); Ross Alvey (cricket); Ian McKeage (tennis); Jane Andrew (netball); Mark Nalder (table tennis) and Ruby Aberhart from netball.

Guest speaker on the night was home-grown rugby legend Wyatt Crockett who entertained the audience with tales from his lengthy career at provincial, Super Rugby and test level.

MC John McBeth kept the evening running smoothly while Trudi Wilson and Trudy Fargher’s Dancers put on a fine show for the crowd. ASB Smiledealers were on hand throughout the evening to spread the word through social media.

Katie Arden from Sport Tasman described the awards evening as a “great night out for all” and suggested the help provided by major sponsor ASB and the various category sponsors was pivotal to the event’s on-going success. She also mentioned local companies Orbit Travel, The Copy Press, Erban Spa Nelson, Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles and Corporate Boxes for their support.

Written by Peter Jones, Sport Tasman

Article added: Thursday 29 November 2018