2025 Sports Awards

ADBA Sports Awards!

🎬✨ Tickets are on sale for the ADBA Sports Awards 2025: A night on the silver screen ✨🎬

Starring you, your crew, and a whole lot of costume chaos.

Lights! Costumes! Action!
All ADBA members are officially cast in the 2025 ADBA Sports Awards, where we’ll honour the blockbuster performances of the season - and you're turning up as your favourite TV or Movie character.

Release date: Friday 4th July
Call time: 6pm
Location: Takapuna Rugby Club
Dress code: TV & Movie Characters from Marvel to Middle Earth, Friends to Frozen, Comedy to Classics, anything goes!
Cost: $40 per person, or $290 for a table of 8 (we can add tables together if needed)
- If you are buying a table of 8, please make sure you mention the names of the people you are booking for, as we will have someone on the doors checking people in.
We'll be serving a delicious shared platter, succulent roast chicken rolls, and a selection of indulgent sweet treats, because every great film deserves a strong final act.

✨ Nominations have now closed, but here are a list of finalists.

Manager of the Year Award

Do you know someone who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication, and excellence in managing and supporting their crew? The Manager of the Year Award aims to recognise individuals who have significantly contributed to the success, growth, and positive development of their team. Consider nominees who exhibit strong leadership skills, create a supportive team culture, and promote sportsmanship and ethics.

Finalists:

Isabel Baltazar - Tsunami
Jackie Stafford - Waitemata Warriors
Jun Xiao - Dragon Riders
Linda Ashton - Busting with Life
Sandy Timoti - Steel Dragons

Coach of the Year Award

Recognising exceptional coaching abilities, leadership, and dedication, the Coach of the Year Award celebrates those who have made a significant impact on the development, success, and growth of dragon boat athletes. Look for nominees with exceptional coaching skills, a commitment to athlete development, strong leadership and communication abilities, and a dedication to sportsmanship and ethics.

Finalists:

Jason Tutara - Tsunami
Lorraine Bailey - Busting with Life
Rosemary Geard - Busting with Life
Serena Tiaiti - Steel Dragons
Umar Ali - Steel Dragons

Captain of the Year Award

This award acknowledges the pivotal role of a team captain in guiding and inspiring their crew to success. Nominate individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and motivation, leading their team to achievements on and off the water. Consider nominees who foster team cohesion, communicate effectively, and exemplify sportsmanship and integrity.

Finalists:

Allen Chen - Dragon Riders
Holly Claeys - City Dragons
Neta Vazey - Tsunami
Phil Wakelin - Random Jaffas

Rookie of the Year

Celebrating outstanding newcomers who have shown exceptional promise in the sport, the Rookie of the Year Award acknowledges those who have demonstrated dedication, growth, and a commitment to personal development and team success within their first year. Nominate rookies who have shown significant improvement in their paddling skills, made valuable contributions to their team, exhibited sportsmanship, coachability, personal growth, and leadership potential.

Finalists:

Dave Cross - City Dragons
Emma Oetti - Hauraki Blues
Jenna Rope - Tsunami
Jesse Toms - Tsunami
Kayla Evans - Tsunami
Te Awerangi Hogg - Steel Dragons

Most Improved Member

Recognising the dedication and hard work of an individual who has shown remarkable improvement in their skills and contributions to the team over the past year, the Most Improved Member Award celebrates those who have made significant strides in their paddling, calling, or sweeping abilities. Nominate members who have been a member for more than 1 season, who have demonstrated a commitment to learning, growth, and teamwork, making invaluable contributions to their crew's success.

Ameria Gilbert - Steel Dragons
Andy Tither - Jaffettes
Gucci (George) Vakamelialo - Steel Dragons
Mia Ma - Dragon Riders

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW - BUY HERE

We'll see you on set!