TrustPower Spirit of Rotorua Awards 2013 announced
Leanne White-Haverkamp (left) and Erin Thompson-Pou from Flavazum Health & Fitness, Rotorua with the Supreme Award.
FlavAzum Health and Fitness Rotorua has won the Supreme Award at the fifteenth annual TrustPower Spirit of Rotorua Awards.
The awards were announced and presented on Monday (21 October) at Rotorua District Council's Civic Centre.
For winning the Supreme Award, FlavAzum Health and Fitness Rotorua received a framed certificate, a trophy and $1,500 prize money, and now go on to represent the region at the TrustPower National Community Awards in Invercargill next March.
TrustPower community relations coordinator Suzi Luff says FlavAzum Health and Fitness Rotorua empowers local families to work together towards holistic health through multiple programmes and activities.
This group started out a couple of years ago, when they took nine kids and young people to the IronMaori tamariki events. The following day, they watched the adults compete. They left inspired and with a vision to give it a go, seeing all shapes and sizes taking part and knowing it could change lives. And give it a go they did - in 2012 FlavAzum showed up with more than 100 competitors - trained, supported and kitted out.
Another inspiring initiative they started is the 50/50 Whanau. This will see 50 first-timers walk the 50th Rotorua Marathon next year. Add to this training, support, weight loss mentoring and nutrition advice, this group also provides free zumba demonstrations at local fundraising events and they run their own sports events. They've taught over 40 adults to swim at least two kilometres, and their cycle squad includes weekend rides. Recently, they've started monthly Kai Pai workshops, which focus on small changes to improve eating habits and knowledge on how to fuel the body.
A record 58 entries were received for this year's TrustPower Spirit of Rotorua Awards. In total, TrustPower presented over $5,000 to various community groups through the awards.
Rotorua Mayor-elect, Steve Chadwick, said volunteers were the backbone of the community.
Without them, government departments and the council would not survive. They are the salt of our community and never ask for praise; they are doing it with a sense of pride and achievement.
Recipients of 2013 TrustPower Spirit of Rotorua Awards were:
HERITAGE AND ENVIRONMENT:
Runner-Up: Wingspan Birds of Prey Trust
Winner: Rotorua SPCA
HEALTH AND WELL BEING:
Commendation: Parkinson's Central Plateau Division
Runner-Up: Linton Park Community Trust
Winner: Rotorua St John Health Shuttle
ARTS AND CULTURE:
Runner-Up: Volunteers of the Rotorua Museum of Art & History
Winner: Rotorua Musical Theatre
SPORT AND LEISURE:
Runner-Up: Reporoa Young Farmers Association
Winner: Rotorua Association of Triathlons and Multisport
EDUCATION AND CHILD/YOUTH DEVELOPMENT:
Runner-Up: Youth in Emergency Services
Winner: Blue Light Ventures Rotorua
SUPREME WINNER:
FlavAzum Health and Fitness Rotorua