One of the Trophies was carved and named in honour of Ace Cuthers who we sadly lost in 2010. It is the “Ace Cuthers Memorial Club Spirit Award”. It is a trophy that is chosen by the Volunteers and Officials at the event.

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 2014 was Nga Hoe Horo Outrigger Canoe Club and were presented with the trophy by Louise Henderson and Matahi Brightwell.

Nga Hoe Horo has a long History with Waka Ama in Aotearoa and this week they continued to show their presence both on and off the water. Their junior paddlers assisted with rigging and loading of waka throughout the week and the effort made by the club to ensure that they had a strong showing to support the 25th Anniversary was very special. The club had competitors in the youngest grade: Midgets, right through to the oldest grade: Over 70's Men, with Frank Herbert proving there are plenty of years left for all of us to keep enjoying the sport we love. Frank was a competitor and commentator at the first nationals in 1990 and it was special that Frank was able to share his commentary skills once more with us.
Thank-you Nga Hoe Horo for your contribution to the the 25th Waka Ama Sprint Nationals and congratulations on being the recipients of this years Ace Cuthers Memorial Club Spirit Award.