All Black presents 2011 sports awards

All Black Jerome Kaino was the star of the annual sport awards on Wednesday night with the winning athletes of the main category off the island in pursuit of Olympic qualification.

Through a news type interview by emcee John Kenning, Kaino shared his journey to becoming an All Black flanker.

The light-hearted banter set the tone for the awards night where top local athletes were honoured for their achievements throughout the 2011 sporting year.

Sportsman and woman of the year winners Taua Elisa and Helema Williams are currently in Germany chasing Olympic qualifications and were represented by fellow sailor Junior Charlie and their families.

It was a proud night for the sports family of the Cook Islands in honouring and reflecting on the achievements of athletes and administrators.