The Turangi Tongariro Sports Foundation hosted the annual Turangi Sports Awards 2018 event. Year 9 student, Emma Billing, won the award for 'New Coach of the Year' up against 4 others. Emma started coaching Beginner and Learner swimmers at the Turangi Swimming Club this year, as well as continuing with her swim training, and has been doing a wonderful job at both. Emma was also the youngest nominee in this category and was praised throughout the night during the MC, Guest Speaker and Chairperson of the Sports Foundation speeches. Year 11 student, Tangiariki Wanikau, won the award for 'Junior Sportsperson of the Year' up against 6 others, including the talented Year 9 student, Jorja Neill for cricket. Tangiariki has been training and competing successfully for the past 8 years at local, regional, national and international level. Tangiariki was also awarded 'Dedication to Club' for services to the Turangi Karate Club above and beyond the usual expectations. Turangi Black Belt Girls Kata team including Tangiariki Wanikau, won the 'Junior Team of the Year' award up against 4 others. The girls did surprisingly well in this category as they were nominated alongside teams who had impressive success's locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.