Rising Stars Shine at Manawatū Secondary Schools Sports Awards

The Manawatū Secondary Schools Sports Awards celebrated emerging talent on March 14, 2023, at the Palmerston North Conference and Function Centre. Downhill mountain biker Jonty Williamson and artistic gymnast Zahara Slatter were honoured as the boys and girls athletes of the year, respectively, highlighting their impressive achievements in their sports.

Slatter, 17, has made significant strides in gymnastics, competing earlier this year at the World Olympic Gymnastics Academy in Texas. There, she excelled by winning the vault and bars competitions, finishing second on the beam, and securing the overall title as the level nine senior champion. In New Zealand, she triumphed at the national championships, achieving a remarkable trifecta of titles in steps eight, nine, and ten, including the prestigious step 10 national champion title.

Expressing her surprise at receiving the award, Slatter remarked, “Because gymnastics is not the biggest sport. It’s exciting to have that so all the little gymnasts at my gym have something to look up to.” Looking ahead, she aims to compete at the World Cup events in Paris and Hungary, as well as the world championships in the Netherlands. Ultimately, she dreams of participating in the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics. While she was recently invited to a New Zealand training camp in Sydney, she opted not to attend due to financial constraints, acknowledging the need to be selective about her overseas travel, as her sport is self-funded.

Williamson, 16, returned to New Zealand just two weeks prior to the awards after an intensive three-month stint riding in Europe. As a member of the Yeti Factory Downhill junior team, he participated in the World Cup series, finishing fifth, and represented New Zealand at the world championships in Switzerland, where he again placed fifth. Domestically, he has dominated the under-17 and under-19 categories, capturing multiple national and school titles.

“I’m really happy [to win] and also considering the other people I was up against,” Williamson said regarding his recognition at the Manawatū awards. “Just amazed, I guess.” His plans include competing in the New Zealand series over summer before heading back to Europe for the start of the World Cup series.

Additional Awards Recognize Team and Individual Achievements

The awards ceremony also recognised the achievements of several teams and individuals. The team of the year was awarded to Feilding High School’s clay target shooting team, comprising Lincoln Iwikau and Cohen Newton, who excelled at both the North Island and New Zealand championships.

The title of student athlete with a disability of the year went to Feilding High School swimmer Jonty Howland, highlighting the inspirational talents within the region. The official-of-the-year titles were shared between two touch referees: Izzy Brown from Awatapu College for the girls’ division and Josh Irwin from Boys’ High for the boys’ division.

Recognition extended to coaching excellence as well, with Elleanor King from St Peter’s College receiving the girls’ coach of the year award for her contributions to canoe polo, while Reuben Rose of Boys’ High earned the boys’ award for his achievements in football. Additionally, Jakob Abernethy from Boys’ High was named the administrator of the year for his efforts in orienteering.

The active recreation champion award was presented to Tararua College in recognition of a group of students who successfully ran an athletics programme, showcasing the commitment to promoting sports and physical activity among young people in the community.

The Manawatū Secondary Schools Sports Awards not only honour individual excellence but also foster a spirit of community and support for aspiring athletes across the region.