Nominations Open For 2026 Regional Sports Awards

Where grassroots meets greatness

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Regional Sports Awards, a new flagship event that brings together two proud traditions of recognition in our region.

Delivered by Sport Manawatū, the Awards combine the legacy of the Manawatū Sportsperson of the Year Awards, which historically celebrated high-performance achievement, and the Grassroots Sports Awards, which recognised the volunteers, clubs and community leaders who keep sport running every day.

The result is one unified event that celebrates the full sporting ecosystem. From elite athletes to volunteers marking fields at 7am on a Saturday, this is where grassroots meets greatness.

The 2026 Awards will be held on Thursday 11 June at the Conference and Function Centre and are expected to host approximately 300 attendees from across the sporting, business and civic community.

Chief Executive of Sport Manawatū, Kelly Shanks, says bringing the two award streams together reflects how sport actually functions.

“High performance doesn’t happen in isolation. Behind every athlete is a coach, a volunteer, an administrator and a club environment that makes participation possible. By combining these awards into one event, we’re recognising the entire system. That’s what makes our region strong.”

The 2026 categories reflect that breadth, including:

• Supreme Sportsperson of the Year
• Male and Female Sportsperson of the Year
• Male and Female Junior Sportsperson of the Year
• Māori Sportsperson of the Year
• Team of the Year
• Coach of the Year
• Official of the Year
• Administrator of the Year
• Disabled Sportsperson of the Year
• Grassroots Volunteer of the Year
• Community Impact of the Year
• Club of the Year
• Sports Partner of the Year

The event will also feature the induction of Manawatū Legends of Sport, honouring those whose contribution has had a lasting impact on our region.

Sport Manawatū is pleased to confirm strong regional backing for the 2026 Awards, including:

• Supreme Sportsperson of the Year – Central Energy Trust
• Female Sportsperson of the Year – Palmerston North City Council
• Team of the Year – Manawatū Standard
• Male Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Ricoh
• Club of the Year – Robèrt Embroideries

Ms Shanks says community nominations are essential to ensuring the Awards truly reflect the region.

“We want to see nominations that capture the full picture of sport in our communities. Not just podium finishes, but perseverance, leadership, inclusion and impact. When we recognise both grassroots and greatness together, we strengthen sport for everyone.”

Nominations open on 23 February and close at 11.59pm on 17 April 2026.

To submit a nomination, visit: https://www.sportmanawatu.org.nz/rsa

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