Awards Wrap from the 2023 Swim Coaches & Teachers New Zealand Awards
The 2023 Swim Coaches & Teachers New Zealand Awards were held over the weekend in conjunction with their annual conference and AGM. It was a great night celebrating achievements during the 2022-23 year and acknowledged great service to our aquatics industry.
One of the special moments during the evening was the standing ovation that was given to Hilton Brown as he was awarded the McLeods Outstanding Contribution to Learn to Swim and Water Safety award in recognition of his 50 years of coaching and swim teaching in New Zealand.
Lars Humer (Swim Dunedin) received the Coach of the Year award. Unfortunately he wasn't able to attend as he continues to assist his squad as they build to Doha and Paris, with friend Frank Tourelle accepting the award on his behalf.
Tracy Breuer (Kiwi West Aquatics) took home the Rookie Coach of the Year award after her first year in the role in Palmerston North. She was humbled to receive the award and thanked all of the coaches who have answered her calls and helped her develop.
"It was an honour and a privilege to receive this award, and I can only thank my athletes, families and club for their continued support over the past year. It has been an exciting year full of learning and I look forward to continuing the work we do at Kiwi West. Thank you to all the coaches and many people who have helped me learn and share their knowledge. It has been invaluable."
There were multiple awards given out to celebrate performances, innovation and excellence within swimming clubs and swim schools. Congratulations to all of the winners listed below and thank you for your contribution to the aquatics industry.
Coaches of the Year
Rookie Coach of the Year
Tracy Breuer (Kiwi West Aquatics)
Open Water Performance of the Year
Josh Munro (Roskill) for Alex Dunkley's victories in the 5km and 10km at the 2023 Orangetheory NZ Open Water Swimming Championships
Pick Parkhouse Youth Coach of the Year
Gary Hollywood (Capital) for Finn Harland's performance in the 100m Backstroke at the 2023 Apollo Projects NZ Swimming Championships
Para Youth Coach of the Year
Sheldon Kemp (Pukekohe) and Shaun Foley (Tasman) for Josh Willmer's gold medal winning performance in the 100m Breaststroke SB8 at the 2022 Commonwealth Games
Brett Naylor Trophy
Gary Hollywood (Capital) for Lewis Clareburt's gold medal winning performance in the 400m Individual Medley at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, achieving the highest FINA Points at an international event
Para Coach of the Year
Brett Naylor (Aquagym) for Dame Sophie Pascoe's gold medal winning performance in the 100m Freestyle S9 at the 2022 Commonwealth Games
Coach of the Year
Lars Humer (Swim Dunedin) for Erika Fairweather's NZ Record-breaking performance in the 400m Freestyle at the 2023 Apollo Projects NZ Swimming Championships.
National Events Awards - Clubs & Coaches
2022 Apollo Projects NZ Short Course Swimming Championships
Open Club
Pukekohe (Mitch Nairn, Sheldon Kemp, James Ruiterman)
Provincial Club
Heretaunga Sundevils (Willy Benson)
2023 Orangetheory NZ Open Water Swimming Championships
Open Club
Pukekohe (Sheldon Kemp)
Provincial Club
Aquabladz New Plymouth (Mariano Garcia Nani)
2023 Apollo Projects NZ Swimming Championships
Open Club
Coast (Michael Weston, John Gatfield)
Provincial Club
Mt Maunganui (Stan Teokotai-White)
2023 Apollo Projects NZ Age Group Swimming Championships
Open Club
United (Jamie Isemonger, Igor Polianski, Max Polianski)
Provincial Club
Aquabladz New Plymouth (Mariano Garcia Nani)
2023 Apollo Projects Division II Swimming Competition
Open Club
Tawa (Nadia Booth)
Provincial Club
Nelson South (Glen Findlay)
Overall Top Club
United (Max Polianski, Igor Polianski, Jamie Isemonger)
Provincial Top Club
Aquabladz New Plymouth (Mariano Garcia Nani, Sue Southgate, Donna Bouzaid)
Teaching Awards
Rookie Swim Teacher of the Year
Robyn Human (Northern Arena)
Master Swim Teacher of the Year
Aleisha Clarke (JC Swim School)
Swim Teacher of the Year
Charlotte Evans (SwimTastic)
Outstanding Swim School Awards
Under 1000 Swimmers Per Week (Hilton Brown Award)
Ally Todd Swimming
1001+ Swimmers Per Week
SwimTastic
Multi Centres
Fulton Swim School
Swim School Innovation Awards
Under 1000 Swimmers Per Week
Comet Swimming Club
1001+ Swimmers Per Week
Northern Arena
Multi Centres
Christchurch City Council
McLeods Outstanding Contribution to Learn to Swim and Water Safety
Hilton Brown for his 50 years of service to the industry
