LU supports young achievers in Canterbury Sport and Recreation Awards

Lincoln University has been a key supporter of the Canterbury Sports Awards for more than 15 years – a reflection of an ongoing partnership with the organisation and our similar values and vision, recognising the contribution sport, play, physical activity and active recreation make towards building well communities.

The event is now the Canterbury Sport and Recreation Awards, to encompass a wider range of beneficial activities, and have gone online this year, and winners will be announced in the third week of May.

The Outstanding Youth in Sport Award is awarded to two individuals and/or teams (ages 21 and under) who are not only achieving, or on the road to achieving at the highest level in their chosen sporting code, but continue to give back to their sporting community.

Lincoln University Marketing Manager, Duncan Stirling, said Lincoln University "supported growth, in our students and the opportunities we can present them, and we have long seen sport and recreation as having an important role in society."

"The chance to promote sport and enhanced pathways for youth also aligns with our values, such as Manaakitaka — Looking After People,”.

“Sport and Recreation is one of our specialisations in teaching and research. We offer a very broad range of study areas, and our graduates are in-demand.”

The motivation behind sponsorship of this particular category is influenced by our offering an elite Sport Scholarship programme for young athletes while also acknowledging our shared vision of the Balance is Better philosophy, which is about creating quality experiences for all young people to keep them active and in the game.

“We recognise the importance of developing young sporting talent. Since 1999, we have offered Sport Scholarships for dedicated athletes to achieve their goals on the field and court, as well as in the lecture theatre, and the programme has produced many of New Zealand’s top performers in netball, rugby, cricket, athletics, basketball, rowing and hockey.

“However, we also understand the need for balance in sport, to play for enjoyment as well as to be competitive, and we recognise Sport Canterbury’s promotion of this aspect. As such, we are committed to encouraging social sport and the benefits it brings; making friends and having fun,” Duncan added.

Sport Canterbury said it looked forward to continuing its partnership with Lincoln University "as our mahi continues to intersect in the sector".

Image: Lincoln University Sport Scholarship and Recreation Centre Manager, Pete Magson, with Lincoln University Outstanding Young Sportswoman of the Year, Annemarie le Grelle, who competes in ultimate, and has represented the New Zealand Youth team in the sport, at last year's awards.