Graham Condon Bust Unveiled

Around 60 people attended the unveiling of a new public artwork unveiled in Papanui early this morning.

The bronze bust of former Christchurch City Councillor and paralympian Graham Condon is the work of Canterbury artist Sam Mahon who watched the official unveiling on a chilly Christchurch morning.

Mayor Lianne Dalziel paid tribute to Mr Condon who died seven years ago after an accident involving a car while riding his hand-propelled bicycle. He was 58. Ben Lucas, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Spinal Trust, also spoke, recounting how he first met Graham Condon and the encouragement the athlete provided him.

Former mayor Garry Moore and Mr Condon's wife Kathy and daughter Andrea also attended the unveiling of the bust which is located outside the Graham Condon Leisure Centre and was commissioned by the local Shirley / Papanui Community Board.

Note:

Graham Thomas Condon QSM JP (11 February 1949 – 8 September 2007) was an athlete who won seven medals for New Zealand competing in Paralympic swimming and athletic events and a total of 36 medals in international competition overall. He was also a local-body politician and a disability advocate.

Please call Helen Miles on 03 9415409 (ChCh) for more information.