Last night, the Sports Award Prizegiving was held in front of a gym filled with sportspeople, staff, family and friends.
It was a wonderful evening celebrating the successes of our teams and individuals across all sporting codes. The event also provided an opportunity to thank the community volunteers and staff who dedicate considerable time and effort to coaching our students, developing their skills, helping them achieve their goals, and creating lasting memories and camaraderie along the way.
The evening began with an address from Principal Shameen Hayat, who spoke about the growth in both student participation in sport and the number of new sporting opportunities now available. Ms Hayat reiterated the important role sport plays in our school community and announced that next year, for the first time, sport and academics will be integrated during school hours. This initiative reflects our belief that “physical excellence and academic achievement work together to build confident, capable, and balanced young people.”
Ms Hayat expressed her congratulations to all students who participated in sports this year, particularly those recognised for their achievements during the ceremony. She also extended sincere thanks to all staff, coaches, and managers who generously give their time to ensure the continued success of our sporting programmes.
A highlight of the evening was hearing from guest speaker and OHS alumna Elizabeth Moimoi, an accomplished rugby player who currently coaches our Girls’ 10s Rugby team. A hard-hitting loose forward, Elizabeth made her debut for the Auckland Blues in 2024. She spoke about the dedication required in fitness, nutrition, and training to succeed as a professional athlete. Her advice to aspiring players was to surround themselves with the right people and, most importantly, to believe in themselves and their abilities.
Congratulations to all students who were recognised on the night.
Staff Awards:
Mr Bryce Griffiths – Head of Code, Volleyball
Mr Mark Loveridge – LAC
Ms Brenda Dwayne – Manager of the Year (Basketball, Volleyball, Girls’ Rugby)
Mr Daniel King – Coach of the Year
Individual Prestigious Award Winners:
Xavier White - Junior Sportsman of the Year
Anna Lightbody - Junior Sportswomen of the Year
Maret Sax – Wesley Samuelu Memorial Cup, Year 11 Outstanding Sportsperson
Lisa Hellyer – Te Reo Pōwhiri Trophy, Top Female Athlete
Daiana Radrole – Hilary Cup, Commitment and Dedication to Sport
Sarah Hellyer – Kelly Siebert Cup for Skill, Leadership and Endeavour
N’Kara Tiumalu – Bentley Cup for Leadership in Sport
Dux Ludorum: Congratulations, Lisa Hellyer
A huge thank you to Director of Sport Mr. Scott Collins and Mr. Karl Jacobson for their efforts in organising this thoroughly enjoyable and memorable event.
