Māori Sports Awards: Young rugby star following in famous footsteps
The ACC-supported Māori Sports Awards serve to showcase the achievements of outstanding Māori sports people, this year including a promising rugby player looking to emulate the feats of a local hero.
As one Bay of Plenty rugby legend hangs up his All Blacks boots, another local teenager is at the beginning of his journey and hoping to emulate the success of his hero.
Last weekend, Tauranga Boys College old boy Sam Cane played his 104th and final test in the All Blacks’ win over Italy in Turin.
Watching back home was Charlie Sinton, another rep from the successful sporting school who was dreaming big.
“Sam Cane is a legend for us,” says the 18-year-old, who is one of three generations in his family to attend Tauranga Boys.
“He’s a prominent name throughout the school record books and the region. It’s been unreal to see the career he’s had, with all the setbacks he’s had to overcome.
“He’s a huge inspiration for me. He’s shown an example to kids from our school that it’s achievable. He came through this school and achieved the pathway of Bay of Plenty Steamers, Chiefs and All Blacks.
“He will be remembered as an All Blacks great and that’s hugely inspiring for someone like me who is at the start of their career and looking to follow his path.”
On the road to stardom
Charlie has shown he’s on the right track. His achievements on the rugby field have been noticed this year, most notably as captain of the New Zealand Secondary Schools team.
Back in 2009, Cane was a standout performer for Tauranga Boys and made the national secondary schools side, alongside the likes of TJ Perenara and Codie Taylor.
Charlie has been recognised for his efforts by becoming a finalist in the Trillian Trust Māori Sports Awards, set to be hosted in Mount Maunganui this weekend.
Charlie (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa) has been short-listed for Young Māori Sportsman of the Year and says it’s a special honour to be a finalist – and a bonus to be able to attend the awards in his home province.
“I’m looking forward to the evening and hopefully meeting some of the biggest names in New Zealand sport,” he says.
“This nomination isn’t just about me, it’s about my coaches, teammates and everyone who has helped our team have success this year.”
There are 10 Bay of Plenty athletes or coaches nominated as finalists, seven members of the Black Ferns sevens team, two waka ama reps and Charlie.
‘I see Charlie going all the way’
Charlie says the Māori Sports Awards nomination has provided added motivation to learn more about his culture.
“I’m proud of my Māori heritage,” he says.
“This nomination means a lot to me and my whānau. It’s a good reminder to learn more about my history and where I come from, and all the people I represent.”
Charlie’s coach at Tauranga Boys, Aidan Kuka, says Charlie’s a humble young man with a big future.
“Charlie has a great work ethic and detail to his preparation,” Aidan says.
“He set himself some goals and every day he worked on achieving them. It was a proud moment for Tauranga Boys to have Charlie named as the national secondary schools captain. We take immense pride in seeing our students take on leadership roles in representative teams.
“He's inquisitive, curious, hard-working and diligent. All these traits support his potential and enhance his ability to be a creative playmaker and distributor from halfback. I see Charlie going all the way.”
Māori make mark on world stage
The Māori Sports Awards are run by Te Tohu Taakaro o Aotearoa Charitable Trust. Executive director Richard (Dick) Garratt MNZM (Ngāi Tuhoe) says several hundred nominations were received, with a record number of Māori athletes achieving on the world stage over the past year.
It’s a testament to the vision of the event’s founder, the late Albie Pryor. In 1991, Albie (Ngāti Awa) established the black-tie event to promote and encourage Māori in their pursuit of sporting excellence.
“We’re staggered by the quality of the nominations, which is an indication of the incredible impact Māori sportspeople have had in the international arena,” Dick says.
“It’s also encouraging to see entries from a number of lesser-known sports, and from other sports where Māori have not previously succeeded. This will make the final selections a difficult one.”
Raising awareness of ACC services
ACC has been a partner of the Māori Sports Awards for the past 20 years.
Andy Milne, Deputy Chief Executive of Strategy, Engagement and Prevention, says it’s an honour to celebrate Māori achievement in sport.
“Māori athletes provide a huge and valuable contribution to our sporting nation,” he says.
“They’re positive role models for our rangatahi, tamariki and mokopuna to get active and become involved in sport.”
Our research shows Māori are more likely to experience a serious injury than non-Māori but are less likely to make an injury claim.
Māori clients generally account for 12.5 per cent of new claims volumes annually but account for 16.7 per cent of the population.
“We’re focused on ensuring Māori are aware of the support they’re entitled to following an injury,” Andy says.
“Events like the Māori Sports Awards help us to raise awareness and build understanding around ACC services that improve access and health outcomes for Māori.
“If you’ve had an accident and have an injury, no matter how big, don’t tough it out – taihoa ake and get help. ACC is here for you and your whānau to help you recover and get you back doing what you love.”
34th Trillian Trust Māori Sports Awards
Saturday 30 November
Mercury Arena, Mount Maunganui
For more information visit the Māori Sports Awards website.
