Source: Ōtara Sports Awards
New Zealand rugby league great Dean Bell and legendary Manu Samoa captain Papali’itele Peter Fatialofa will both be recognised with lifetime achievement awards before being inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 2019 Ōtara Sports Awards on Saturday 30 November at Kia Aroha College, Auckland.
While Fatialofa will be inducted posthumously, Bell will attend the prestigious event which honours the sporting achievements of Ōtara sports people including athletes, administrators and coaches.
“I’m extremely proud to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our new inductees, Dean Bell and Papali’itele Peter Fatialofa for their outstanding careers and contributions to their respective sporting codes,” says Lotu Fuli, Chairperson of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board.
“Dean and Papali’itele embodied Ōtara community values and a true trailblazer spirit. They both harnessed their homegrown talents to captain their countries and build great careers which inspired players and supporters around the world.”
The judges panel selected the accomplished duo for their sporting excellence and success at the highest level of Rugby League and Rugby Union.
Papali’itele resided on Cobham Crescent before moving to Preston Road and then Charntay Ave during the period he played provincial rugby for Auckland and the 1991 Rugby World Cup. Post-career, he coached at East Tamaki Rugby Club and completed his coaching certificate at Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate.
“Our family are truly humbled by this esteemed honour for our late father,” says Jeremiah Fatialofa, the oldest of nine children.
“He was a proud Ōtara man who had a big heart to serve community through rugby. He gave his best to help East Tamaki Rugby Club and also provide opportunities to young people in the area to make a career in the game he loved.”
Nominations for the 2019 Ōtara Sports Awards can be submitted at otarasportsawards.co.nz and close 7pm Sunday 3 November 2019.
