League boss recongised by award

Excellence across the sport and recreation sector was recognised tonight at the Sparc awards in Auckland tonight.

New Zealand Rugby League chief executive Jim Doyle won the leadership excellence award for his role in turning the sport around.

Doyle was appointed to the position in 2009 when many of the organisation's financial backers and sponsorship partners had deserted rugby league, national and international affiliations had disassociated themselves from the organisation, and staff morale was at an all-time low.

Sparc chief executive Peter Miskimmin said Doyle turned around a troubled sport.

"He galvanised the entire league community through passion, a strong communication process and admirable leadership that deserves recognition. He got them winning on and off the field."

Three long-serving sports administrators were also recognised with lifetime achievement awards tonight.

Netball's Monica Leggat, hockey's Ramesh Patel and Christopher Doig -- who has been involved in administration roles with cricket, rowing and rugby as well as Sparc and the Winter Games -- were honoured for their leadership roles in a range of sports.

"All three are owed a debt of gratitude by the sector, and by the many, many people who have benefitted from their vision, their talents and their investment of time," Sparc chairman Paul Collins said.

Other winners tonight included:

Event excellence award: Surfing New Zealand, for the ISA world junior surfing championship held in Piha from January 20-28 this year. It was the first time the event had been held in Australasia.

Innovation excellence award: New Zealand Football for their Whole of Football Plan, which aims to re-invent soccer is delivered to New Zealanders. A tailor-made plan for New Zealand was developed to cover all areas of the game, from volunteers, coaches and referees, to social and elite players.

Communications excellence award: Special Olympics New Zealand (SONZ), which judges said had a clear strategy utilising different tools including social media, such as Facebook, to connect with the public. They raised the awareness of the organisation significantly, which saw a 13 percent increase in participation and a 20 percent increase in volunteers

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