The world champion Silver Ferns have been awarded the prestigious Lonsdale Cup for 2019.
The award was presented at the New Zealand Olympic Gala, which brought together some of New Zealand's most well-known Olympic and Commonwealth Games athletes to celebrate their achievements in 2019, and look towards the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
The Ferns crowned world champions, after beating Australia 52-51 in a thrilling final at the Netball World Cup in Liverpool, England.
New Zealand Olympic Committee chief executive Kereyn Smith extended her congratulations to the 2019 Lonsdale winners.
"Well done to the Silver Ferns, who are deserved winners of the Lonsdale Cup," said Smith.
"The Netball World Cup win united the nation and inspired athletes around the country.
"The team is generous and community-focused, and are fantastic role models for girls and young women. I congratulate them and thank them for their contribution."
Sport and Recreation Minister Grant Robertson presented the historic cup to Silver Ferns shooter Bailey Mes and assistant coach Deb Fuller, who were in Auckland for the black-tie dinner.
Head coach Noeline Taurua earlier said: "This is such a privilege and honour and we are very humbled.
“I would also like to acknowledge the wider netball community, who contributed to the Ferns success at the Netball World Cup, and thank the New Zealand Olympic Committee for this special award."
Captain Laura Langman added: “It’s been a massive year of netball and it’s been 16 years since we last won a Netball World Cup, so to receive such a prestigious award as the Lonsdale Cup is a special moment for New Zealand netball.”
The Lonsdale Cup is the New Zealand Olympic Committee’s most prestigious award, and is presented annually to the athlete or team that has made the most outstanding contribution to an Olympic or Commonwealth Sport.
The Lonsdale Cup was first awarded in 1961, with Sir Murray Halberg the inaugural recipient.
Since then, it has been won by a host of inspirational New Zealanders, who have represented our country with pride and passion.
Past winners include Dame Valerie Adams, Lisa Carrington, Sir John Walker, Barbara Kendall and Sir Peter Snell.
