Netball has been recognised at the annual New Zealand Sport and Recreation awards with former Silver Ferns coach Leigh Gibbs and the partnership between Netball New Zealand (NNZ) and Cadbury were acknowledged.
Gibbs (ONZM) was the recipient of the Sir Eion and Jan, Lady Edgar Lifetime Achievement award while NNZ and Cadbury were the winners of the Commercial Partnership award – both received at a ceremony at Te Pae Convention Centre in Christchurch during Sport NZ’s annual conference.
The former Silver Ferns coach has been an influential figure in netball communities and has dedicated much of her life to the game, from grassroots through to national level in varying roles.
As a player, she represented her country for 10 years resulting in 61 Test caps for the Silver Ferns and returning to the national team as coach from 1994 to 1997. Gibbs was also assistant coach of the Silver Ferns side which won the World Championship title in 2003 and Commonwealth Games gold in 2006.
The midcourter was well-known for her strong work ethic as a player which spilled over into her years on the side-lines as coach, administrator, co-ordinator, or motivator – her focus to add value and improve the sport while empowering women and enriching their lives.
NNZ and Cadbury have a long-standing partnership which was acknowledged with the Sport NZ Commercial Partnership award.
Cadbury has partnered with NNZ as their Volunteer Partner to recognise and reward their volunteers – the overall objective to help recruit volunteers and to ensure they felt supported and valued. The partnership also ensured the passion of volunteering could be spread throughout Netball communities.
NNZ Chief Executive Jennie Wyllie said she was delighted to see both Gibbs and the commercial partnership with Cadbury recognised at the Sport NZ annual conference.
“Leigh has long been such an influential figure in netball, firstly as a player and then in her various roles as coach, administrator, and netball advocate. It is fitting to see her receive the Lifetime Achievement award for all she has given to our sport,” she said.
“When we talk netball, it’s hard not to think about Cadbury who have been wonderful supporters of our game, particularly at grassroots level and for our volunteers. We are very fortunate to have had their backing for the last three years and look forward to continuing this partnership.”
Sport NZ received a record 61 entries across eight categories for the awards.