Fineanganofo was named clubperson of the year during the Port Macquarie Maroro Outrigger Canoe Club's inaugural presentation night at the Town Green Inn on Saturday.

While the award acknowledges Fineanganofo’s efforts over the past 12 months, it also recognises his invaluable contribution to the organisation’s development from its modest beginnings almost five years ago.

During the 2007-08 season, he has been particularly active in developing connections between the club and the Port Macquarie community.

Apart from lending his cultural leadership to key ceremonial events, Fineanganofo has worked to foster links with Mission Australia’s mentoring program and the Hastings anti-domestic violence initiative.

He has also toiled behind the scenes on grant submissions and events like the Club Corporate Day.

An emotional Fineanganofo was delighted to be the inaugural recipient of the award.

“There are so many people in this club who all do their bit to make it an enjoyable place to be - they all deserve to be recognised in this way,” he said.

“We've had a great year together and I feel very proud to have been a part of it.”

On a memorable night for the Fineanganofo family, Sal’s wife Rochelle took out the women's rookie award as the club's best first-year female paddler.

Former local rugby league identity Dave Bouldin was rewarded for an outstanding season in the sport with the men's rookie plaudits.

Club coach Mick Wilson, who claimed two National bronze medals in master men's long course and sprint events, was an obvious choice for men’s champion while Maroro stalwart Chayanne Harihi, who recently competed at the Hamilton Island Cup, was awarded women's champion.

Lincoln Beddoe, who has developed into a valued leader at the club, was a popular choice when announced as the winner of the coach's award.

Gold medal-winning juniors Sam Thompson and Talei Wilson were also acknowledged for their achievements.

The presentation night capped off a watershed season for the Maroro club, which yielded six medals in senior events and five junior medals, including three gold.

However, the club's paddlers have little time to reflect on their achievements, with preparation for the upcoming year already underway.

Any newcomers or juniors interested in trying their hand at the sport are invited to come to the club’s base at the Port Marina from 7.30am on Saturdays.