Last Thursday was a significant occasion for sport as the Dilworth 2024 Sports Awards winners were announced, celebrating record breakers, champions, recipients of full sports colours, and special awards.
In his opening address, the Head of Senior Campus, Mr Tom Murdoch, remarked that “2024 has been another year of growth for Dilworth sport with landmark successes in particular codes.” He emphasised the students' passion and pride in their athletic achievements and how sport has become an integral part of school life.
This year’s Sportsman of the Year award went to leaving student Ezrah Eagle for his outstanding basketball performance. Ezrah won the award in 2023 but has elevated his performance to an entirely new level in 2024. Not only has Ezrah captained the Dilworth Premier team to the Senior A title in an undefeated season. He has also excelled at the U20 nationals for Hawke's Bay, was part of the Auckland Tuatara’s that placed 2nd in the NBL season and the ultimate honour, he was selected to represent his country, playing for the New Zealand U18 men's basketball team, the “Junior Tall Blacks”, at the FIBA Asia Cup in Jordan, helping the team to 2nd place and qualifying for the Junior World Cup in 2025. Ezrah’s sportsmanship and character have made him truly deserving of the title of Sportsman of the Year again in 2024.
Several other special awards were presented during the evening:
The Ian Hart Award is given to a Dilworth Old Boy who is furthering his career in sport. Lorraine Walsh (Hart) attended this year’s awards in memory of her late brother, Ian Hart. This year’s recipient was Sam Michie, a 2017 graduate, for his aspirations in physiotherapy.
The Senior Satherley Award, first introduced in 1962, is presented to a Dilworth sportsman who demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship, a willingness to help others and true leadership. This year, the award went to basketballer George Hardie, an influential player both on and off the court.
The Tai Taioreore Award recognises all-around athletic prowess. The 2024 award went to Siosiua Vea, a dual-code athlete who excelled in rugby, volleyball, and athletics.
Summing up the evening, Headmaster Mr Dan Reddiex congratulated all the winners. He talked about how hard the students had worked and how “giving everything you’ve got is paramount to your success”. He also said he looks forward to another exceptional year in sports at Dilworth in 2025.
A huge congratulations to all the recipients of the 2024 Dilworth Sports Awards and to the dedicated teams behind them - coaches, managers, parents, and whānau - who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support each team and athlete on their journey.
