Andrew Langman, left, pictured at last week’s awards with Sport Waikato chair, Phil Taylor. Photo: Sport Waikato
Andrew Langman, described as someone who has been fundamental to the success, positive culture and adaptability of athletics for several years, has won a Sport Waikato award.
He was presented with the 2022 Community Unsung Hero Award at Waikato Sport and Active Recreation Awards last Thursday. His nomination was for his voluntary contribution with an initiative or organisation over the past year.
Andrew’s involvement in athletics has covered both Cambridge and Te Awamutu and he has also campaigned against family violence. Last year he became president of the Athletics Waikato Bay of Plenty regional board.
He has been part of the Cambridge Athletics and Harriers Club for 11 seasons, seven of them spent as chairperson of the Cambridge Athletics sub-committee before stepping down last year.
A man who prefers to be out of the spotlight, Andrew said was ‘overwhelmed with gratitude’ to have been nominated for the award, never mind win it.
“I am passionate about giving children a sport that can help them with so many aspects of their lives.
I don’t care if they want to be an elite sportsperson or just lark around with their friends. As long as they are striving to be better and do their best to improve their individual personal best in an event then I’m excited for them. It is amazing to watch athletes beat their personal best in an event… the massive smile on their face and the excitement they show is what keeps me going.”
Andrew is known for making athletics fun, accessible and family-oriented. His leadership through connections with children’s club nights and events such as the annual Cambridge Pentathlon has won him a host of fans who admire his mentoring across all levels.
He has been involved in the organisation of several key regional events, and through his involvement in the wider Waipā community fronted a campaign against family violence.
In 2018 he entered the Cambridge Club into the Athletics NZ club development programme, a four-year joint commitment with the national organisation offering workshops, opportunities to interact with clubs around the country, and attracting additional equipment and coaching.
In 2020/21 when work took him to Napier/Hastings, he volunteered at their athletics club, and in the following season, he supported the Te Awamutu club in arranging an integral interclub event held at the Te Awamutu grounds after it was initially cancelled due to Covid.
Throughout the 2021/22 season Andrew ran club nights to ensure strict adherence to health and safety protocols and enabled neighbouring club members to join Cambridge Athletics at no cost while facilities at their clubs were unavailable.
He is responsible for many of the programmes and philosophies now enjoyed by Cambridge Athletics, and he enthusiastically supports a wide range of local and regional events.
Effusive in his thanks, directed to his family and those supporting his activities, Andrew said this region was privileged in having the number of volunteers it has to help sport in the Waikato.
“If anyone has ideas on how to get more volunteers to step forward, please let me know as I’m keen to get more people into sport administration.”
