The Don Oliver Youth Awards 2025 once again shone a spotlight on West Auckland’s exceptional young athletes representing our community on the international stage.
Each year, the Don Oliver Youth Sport Foundation supports promising athletes aged 14 to 21 with scholarships that help remove financial barriers and open doors to high‑performance success. Held at The Trusts Arena, this year’s event brought together athletes, whānau, coaches, sports leaders, community partners, and long‑time supporters who share a commitment to nurturing the next generation of champions.
The Trusts is proud to be a major sponsor of the Don Oliver Youth Awards. Our partnership reflects our ongoing dedication to empowering youth, strengthening sporting pathways, and celebrating achievement across the West.
These athletes train before dawn, juggle sport and study, push through challenges, and represent our community with pride. By backing the Foundation, we’re helping ensure they have the resources, encouragement, and opportunities they deserve. For many scholarship recipients, the Foundation’s support becomes a turning point, enabling access to specialist coaching, travel to international competitions, essential equipment, and easing the financial load on families.
This year’s awards showcased athletes from a wide range of sporting codes, from athletics and swimming to combat sports, triathlon, cycling, gymnastics, and weightlifting. Some have already represented New Zealand on the world stage, while others are on a clear pathway toward global success.
Throughout the evening, rangatahi shared powerful stories of resilience, sacrifice, and ambition, reminders of why this event holds such a special place in our sporting landscape. The energy in the room spoke volumes about the incredible potential of West Auckland’s youth.
Supporting young athletes also means supporting the families, coaches, schools, clubs, and volunteers who stand behind them. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Foundation and celebrating even more stories of success and inspiration in the years ahead.
Congratulations to all the talented athletes recognised at the Don Oliver Youth Awards 2025, your dedication and passion make our community proud. And to the coaches, mentors, families, volunteers, and fellow sponsors: thank you for championing the next generation. Here’s to the future champions of the West! We’re with you every step of the way.
