Wayne Werder Chief Executive Sport Bay of Plenty

As summer rolls in, the traditional awards season has begun. For us at Sport Bay of Plenty, we once again have the pleasure of hosting the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic 2013 Bay of Plenty Sports Awards.

These awards have been running since 1969, and it is always interesting to look back at the previous winners. What it shows is the Bay of Plenty has been a breeding ground for talent for many years. This year's awards are no different; and what always astounds is the level of success of Bay of Plenty athletes, officials and coaches, but also the variety of sports this occurs in. In the men's open awards, for example, every finalist is a world champion in their own right.

Sport has been hurt a little during the last few years, with scandals dominating the media's sports pages. The integrity of sport is so important to our sector and we must all work towards protecting this. That said, when you rub shoulders with successful athletes of the past and today, there are a couple of common traits you notice. Generally, they are very humble people, who take as much interest in other's success as their own. They are also generally very generous, particularly with their time; and are only too pleased to help others in any way they can. It is these traits that are important when young athletes look to emulate their heroes.

One initiative, with regard to international success, that is growing momentum is the BOP Ferns Club. An idea founded by Alan Trotter sees former New Zealand and international representatives gather together to share stories, network, rekindle friendships and discuss ways to contribute back into the current development of sport. The club has two patrons – Sir Gordon Tietjens and Dame Susan Devoy – and has a growing membership. It is another reminder of how much talent we have in the Bay of Plenty, and is a great vehicle for these former athletes to put something back into sport.

If you want to find out more about our current crop of athletes, then check out the People's Choice campaign, a fun interactive way of voting for your choice of athlete through the Sport Bay of Plenty Facebook page. Voting is open to November 13; and all votes go in a draw to win a 4G Apple iPad Mini from Vodafone. The winner will be announced on November 15 on More FM (93.4FM).

Tickets, to the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic 2013 Bay of Plenty Sports Awards at ASB Arena on Friday, November 22, cost $80 per adults, and $40 per student; and are available by calling Valda Money at Sport Bay of Plenty on 07 578 0016 or emailing: valdam@sportbop.co.nz