Mark it on your calendars – the 2022 Basketball New Zealand Awards (BBNZ Awards) are to be held next month, with a record 29 awards set to be presented.
The BBNZ Awards are an annual event which celebrates basketball in Aotearoa; acknowledging players, coaches, officials and volunteers for their achievements either for the 2021 calendar year or in recognition of their basketball careers.
This year’s event will be held on Saturday 7 May in the prestigious Banquet Hall at Parliament, Wellington with Dennis Katsanos as MC and entertainment courtesy of the Alda Rezende Trio.
BBNZ Chief Executive, Dillon Boucher says that this year’s BBNZ Awards are a chance to recognise the incredible efforts of those who have helped to significantly impact the game of basketball across different levels.
“The awards allow us to acknowledge and shine a spotlight on those in the basketball community who have given tirelessly to the sport, and it’s our great pleasure to do so,” says Boucher.
“Basketball is one of the widest played and watched sports in Aotearoa – from grassroots up to the professional leagues and national teams – and we know the sport doesn’t run itself; it’s the hard work of the athletes, support staff, administrators and volunteers that make it a success.”
Boucher says that the 2022 BBNZ Awards are lining up to be a particularly special event.
“This year we will have four new inductees to the BBNZ Hall of Fame, as well as one new inductee to the BBNZ Legend – the latter joining the likes of recent inductees Keith Mair, Pero Cameron and Anita Hannen.
“For the first time we’ll also be presenting two new community awards, as well as our first ever Lifetime Achievement award; given to someone who’s given over 60 years of service to the game of basketball.”
BBNZ GM Events, David Huxford says the awards will also recognise the efforts of male and female players in the 2021 calendar year.
“Last year saw many of our basketball activities able to return to some sense of normalcy, given the Covid climate, so we saw some fantastic performances both at a local level and on the international stage – so we look forward to being able to acknowledge their efforts,” says Huxford.
“And for people who attend these Awards, it’s also great opportunity to celebrate and meet people who have contributed to the history of basketball in New Zealand. It’s a special event and not to be missed.”
The 2022 BBNZ Awards tip off on Saturday 7 May at Wellington’s Banquet Hall in Parliament. Find out more at: nz.basketball/bbnzawards
About the 2022 BBNZ Awards:
Date/time: 6-10pm, Saturday 7 May 2022
Venue: The Banquet Hall, Parliament, Wellington
Tickets: Tickets are $85 each or $800 for a table of 10; includes 3 course meal and drinks
Dress: Formal
Buy Tickets: Purchase tickets here. To purchase a table (10 people) please email kathrynn@nz.basketball
View highlights from the 2021 BBNZ Awards here.
2022 Award List
- Legend Award
- Hall of Fame
- Sir Lance Cross Award (for Exceptional Services to basketball)
- Zena Gay Award (for notable contribution to women’s basketball)
- Murray McMahon Award (for notable contribution to men’s basketball)
- Male Player of the Year
- Female Player of the Year
- Most Valuable Player
- Carolyn Grey Award for Female Coach of the Year
- Keith Mair Award for Male Coach of the Year
- Lance McLoughlin Trophy for Female Junior Player of the Year
- Ambassadors Trophy for Male Junior Player of the Year
- Community Partnership Award
- Community Innovation Award
- Cedric Cudby Volunteer Award
- Young Official of the Year
- Services to Coaching Award
- Ian Goodwin Services to Officiating
- Long Service Awards
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Life Membership
- Star Award
