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SPARC and its partner network of regional sports trusts are excited to announce the launch of theSPARC Sport Volunteer Awards. This year we are asking for nominations of all sport volunteers.

Previously, the awards were for volunteer coaches. The SPARC Sport Volunteer Awards offer a simple way for Kiwis to recognise not just coaches but all 800,000 volunteers at the heart of New Zealand community sport - referees, administrators, fundraisers, kit-washers, coaches - the lot!

Last year, more than 6,000 volunteer coaches were recognised, a 25% increase on 2009. However, with our new look expanded format, we're confident we can reach many thousands more sport volunteers this year.

HOW TO NOMINATE

Any member of the public can nominate a sport volunteer at www.sparc.org.nz/volunteers

With each nomination, a thank-you e-card is created which goes directly to the nominee. It will include a personal message from the person who nominated them. Alternatively, hard copy nomination forms are available at regional sports trust offices.

Each regional sports trust will pick winners from the three award categories. They are:

• SPARC Sport Volunteer Award (for sport volunteers 19+ years old - the main award)
• Wattie's Student Sport Volunteer Award (for sport volunteers 18 or younger)
• Lifetime Achievement Award (for 25+ years service to community sport)
  
  

In recognition of the special role of coaches, they will secure at least one award (but not all) in each region.

Nominations close midnight, 23 August 2011, with each regional sports trust choosing and announcing winners at events after that.

SPARC SPORT VOLUNTEER AWARDS PARTNERS

Recognising the scale and importance of New Zealand's sport volunteer community are principal sponsors Wattie's, and MORE FM.

Wattie's are proud sponsors of the Wattie's Sport Student Volunteer Award and will be providing a prize pack of Wattie's merchandise and product to each winner of the award carrying their name.

MORE FM is delighted to help the SPARC Sport Volunteer Awards through promotion of the MORE FM Sport Volunteer Ambassador Early Bird Prize Draw. 

The MORE FM Sport Volunteer Ambassador Early Bird Prize Draw offers those nominated by midnight 15 July the chance to win a trip for two to the New Zealand Winter Games in Queenstown, staying three nights at a 5-star boutique hotel. The winner will have the use of a vehicle, and lift and equipment passes for two people. They will volunteer briefly while at the Winter Games, be able to catch the action, and do some skiing themselves. SPARC is grateful to Air New Zealand, Hotel St Moritz, JUCY vehicle rentals and Cardrona ski field for their additional support of the SPARC Sport Volunteer Awards.

SPARC will also provide sports store vouchers to all award category winners.

The 100% PURE New Zealand Winter Games are official event partners for the 2011 SPARC Sport Volunteer Awards and are looking for volunteers to join their team today!