Ex-local flying high | Taranaki Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Taranaki

Ex-local Amanda Craig took home two awards at the recent Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Ohakea Sportsperson of the Year night.

Her passion towards the Ohakea Multisports Club over the past year has seen it advance from a small minor club to the largest on base. She has been the events co-ordinator and secretary since the beginning of the year and has managed to fulfil the role of both positions alongside her full-time career as an aircraft maintainer.

Amanda was deservedly rewarded with the presentation of the WAAF Cup for dedication and commitment to sport at RNZAF Base, Ohakea. This was outdone by one of the three major awards - Administrator of the Year - which gave her the chance to represent Ohakea at the RNZAF Sportsperson of the Year function held in Wellington. These awards are of high commendation as she is still a junior in the ranks and with continuing efforts she will only improve with time and experience.

Along with organising club trips away to events throughout the North Island, she also competes in sports ranging from mountain biking to triathlons, and from harriers to road cycling. One of the most challenging events for Amanda was the Tough Guy/Gal held in Rotorua. This was held over a gruelling 9km course, which contained swamp navigating, hill climbs and mud runs.

During the past 18 months her sporting efforts have been recognised, and she was subsequently selected to represent the RNZAF in both hockey and harriers. Amanda is a key member of the local harriers club and is becoming a strong triathlete contender. She is looking at joining the local orienteering club in the new year, so will have plenty of weekends of activity ahead. Being an ex-Taranaki swimming representative, she is currently passing on her knowledge to the Marton Swimming Club where she holds the position of head coach.

At present, Amanda is studying extramurally towards a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise, with a major in either management or coaching, or possibly both. Her love of sports has led her to consider a change of trade to Personal Training Instructor within the RNZAF.