High Performance Sport NZ congratulates Halberg Sportsman and Sportswoman Winners

High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ) Chief Executive Alex Baumann says the winners of the 52nd Halberg Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards are outstanding athletes who consistently deliver results on the world stage.

Baumann says the 52nd Halberg Awards are deserved recognition for two athletes who are sporting stars internationally.

Baumann stated “Brendon McCullum and Lydia Ko have had an incredible year and have been recognised for that with these awards.”

HPSNZ sponsors the Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year categories at the Halberg Awards and Baumann says all the finalists have made exceptional contributions to New Zealand sport.

Baumann added “McCullum and Ko have consistently delivered at the top of their game and are part of the reason why New Zealand is the great sporting nation that it is.”

Brendon scored a triple century (302) and the most test runs by a New Zealander in a calendar year. He broke the world record for the highest sixth-wicket partnership scoring 352 against India. Brendon played nine Tests in 2014, scoring 1,164 runs at an average of 72.75 and captained the Black Caps to five test wins.

Lydia Ko won the inaugural Race to CME Globe and three LPGA Tour events in 2014. She earned the number one ranking in the world - the youngest golfer to hold the position.

Baumann added “one of the strengths of the New Zealand sports system is that we are producing champions from different sporting disciplines. It’s very exciting to see.

“We’re very proud to sponsor these awards and I congratulate Brendon and Lydia for their enormous contribution to New Zealand’s sporting success.”

Founded in 1963, the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation offers a community programme to enhance the lives of physically disabled young people by enabling them to participate in sport.

Click here for more information on the Halberg Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards.

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