Damien Doyle is Ōtaki College’s 2019 sportsperson of the year.

At the college’s sports prize-giving ceremony on October 24, Damien received the accolade and a financial award from local company Marlan Trading.

Damien is a top performer in swimming and surf lifesaving, winning a gold and four silver medals at national level in swimming and surf lifesaving. He was not only honoured at the prize-giving with a Sports Blue, but also won the Senior Boys Swimming Cup and is a member of the Top of Code basketball team.

Sports Blues were also awarded to Kaitlyn Freeman, Paris Karl-Fields, Kaahurere Mackay, Manawatoa Nakhla, Stella Park and Blane Watson.

Jason Donovan gave the keynote speech at the prize-giving. Jason is an accomplished national and world medalist in skiing and golf. He is also a glider enthusiast with more than 1000 hours in the air. He gave an inspiring speech about how dedication and hard work could overcome disability and help students realise their dreams.

Prize-giving is a chance for the college to recognise the college’s top sportspeople who were nominated in the Sporty Awards for College Sport Wellington.

The college’s top team for 2019, male, went to the senior boys basketball team coached by Te Tahi Takao. The top female team was the senior girls football team coached by Kimbal McHugo and managed by Julie McHugo.

Maharata Nikora-Davis received an award for coach of the year for her ongoing dedication to netball. Lorne Singer received an award for volunteer of the year after a year spent helping with events, coaching and managing teams in athletics, football and volleyball.

Lauren Blakeley won the Contribution to Sport Cup and Emily Georgetti was student coach of the year.