21 October 2021 Blues and Golds Awards provide inspiration

Held on campus, though this year in a reduced format through COVID restrictions, the awards celebrate of Lincoln students sport achievement (Blues) and community contribution (Golds).

Master of Ceremonies Karen O’Leary, of Wellington Paranormal fame, interviewed alumnus Sam Bosworth, a Tokyo 2020 Gold Medallist in the men’s eight, and Lincoln academic Dr Hafsa Ahmed, a trustee and cofounder of the Lady Khadija Charitable Trust, which seeks to empower vulnerable people and assist new migrants.

Hafsa, who is from India, was motivated by her 10-year-old son to be more involved in the community, and she has produced a documentary series on immigrant journeys to New Zealand .

After the March 15 Christchurch mosque shootings he asked, “Mum why would anyone want to Kill us?"

"It changed the perspective of what I want to do in life."

She gave the advice of being kind to everyone. We are all wired to have kindness and compassion.

Sam Said he had moved to cox the men’s eight from the women’s , and his former crew went on to success while his new one faltered.

He said the crew had a “board meeting”. Multiple gold medal winner, and team member, Hamish Bond, said they needed to strive for excellence every day, and to challenge each other, on the water and in the gym.

“In the last three months before the Olympics we asked how much better we can be today.”

It took them from having to go through a qualifying regatta for the Olympics to gold.

He encouraged persistence

“Don’t let one little thing get in the way. We said we didn’t need the gold medal, but we wanted it, and that stuck with us.”

New Tall Fern, Lauryn Hippolite, won Sportsperson of the Year, after travelling to Jordan for the Asia Cup Qualifying Tournament, while the Lincoln premier netball side won team of the year after again winning the Christchurch competition.

Among the Gold winners were Dorah Ayaa, who has empowered women in Uganda through improving financial literacy and providing market access for their dairy products, leading to poverty reduction and improved income levels.

Amy Wells also took home a Gold Award for her voluntary contributions as a Brownie Leader, Rover Scout, Lincoln Student Volunteer Army cofounder, as well as a  Handie Landies member involved in the South Canterbury flood response. She is also a campus class representative, and Vice-President of the Soil Society.

A full list of the winners. 

Image: Dr Hafsa Ahmed and Sam Bosworth are interviewed onstage by Master of Ceremonies Karen O’Leary.