Bert Knops' lifelong service to basketball as a player and coach have been rewarded with a Kiwibank Local hero of the Year Award.
The amiable Aranui High School teacher said he set high standards and expected young people to meet them.
"I enjoy developing these young athletes into skilled, knowledgeable, focused people,'' said Knops, who is Aranui's head of phyical education.

"It is raising the levels of expectation and getting people to be proud of their achievements both on and off the court that is important to me,'' he said.
"Having an influence on their future is a big responsibility and requires careful planning. Making sure that each individual reaches their potential, sometimes in that year, sometimes in the future. That is a challenge I will always look to do my best in, as the results for that work are extremely rewarding for me,'' he said.
Knops said he was humbled to receive the award and recognised the calibre of the other recipients.
"Receiving this award was a very humbling experience for me. To be up on stage with the other recipients made me realise how many great people are so giving of their own time - that these volunteers have all changed the lives of others in the community in a very positive way.''

Aranui HS Principal John Rohs said he was delighted for Knops.
"He is totally dedicated to assisting young people find their feet in life through the vehicle of sport. Together with his lifetime contribution to basketball this all adds up to making him a truly worthy recipient of this award.''

Credit for the interview and the article to the Star: www.christchurchstar.co.nz