Stories
2016 Ace Cuthers Memorial Club Spirit Trophy Winners
The “Ace Cuthers Memorial Club Spirit Award” is a trophy that is chosen by the Volunteers and Officials at the event.This trophy was carved and named in honour of Ace Cuthers who we sadly lost in 2010
In 2011 Nga Kaihoe o Aotearoa (Waka Ama New Zealand) initiated 2 new trophies to be awarded annually at the Sprint Nationals. The Trophies were carved by Matahi Whakataka Brightwell who has been instrumental in the re-birth and growth of the sport of Waka Ama in Aotearoa.
They take into consideration actions of the club throughout the week, their performance on and off the water. The club that optimises the values of Waka Ama; Manaakitanga, Whanaungatanga, Hauora , Tu Tangata, and of course the memory of Ace himself.
The winning club in 2016 was Cook Island Outrigger Association and were presented with the trophy by Louise Henderson and Matahi Brightwell.
The Cook Island Outrigger Association has grown in size and stature withing the Auckland Region and Waka Ama New Zealand communities and at this years nationals they continued to show their presence both on and off the water. The club were consistent throughout the entire week and volunteers made mention of them daily.
Thank-you Cook Island Outrigger Association for your contribution to the the 27th Waka Ama Sprint Nationals and congratulations on being the recipients of this years Ace Cuthers Memorial Club Spirit Award.
