17 Jul 2018

Otara calls for nominations for sports awards

7:50 am on 17 July 2018

Nominations are being sought up until November for this year's Otara Sports Awards.

Former All Black and New Zealand Sevens legend Eric Rush.

Former All Black and New Zealand Sevens legend Eric Rus Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The Auckland Council's Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board chair, Lotu Fuli, says this is a community led initiative that debuted in 2017.

She says there are 14 sections, including a Hall of Fame category where rugby and league stars Eric Rush, Ruben Wiki, Tawera Nikau and netball great Temepara Bailey were all recognised last year.

"People coming from outside could have been forgiven for thinking there was no passion here for sports in Otara, but those of us who live in Auckland we know that is not true.

"We have produced All Blacks, Kiwis, and Warriors and premier netballers, and weightlifters and things like that. We just felt there was a real need to have something like that in Otara. "

Ms Fuli said other categories include best sports man and woman as well as awards for juniors, coaches and administrators.

Click here to visit the Otara Sports Awards Facebook page.