Honouring our Olympians

More than 30 of the region’s sporting heroes were honoured at Te Manawa in the celebration of New Zealand’s 1,111 Olympians last night (June 25).

Coordinated by Sport Manawatu, the celebration included local athletes such as Kayla Sharland, Emily Naylor, Tara Drysdale, Robert Eastham and hockey legend Bruce Turner.

“Celebrating the achievements of our local athletes is important for our entire community,” says Rachel Cheer, public relations and participation manager for Sport Manawatu. “We need to recognise their contribution as ambassadors for our region; these athletes represent the Manawatu to the world and they do a fantastic job!”

New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) Secretary General Barry Maister unveiled a copy of the New Zealand Olympians Wall of Honour which is held in the Olympic Museum Gallery in Wellington. He emphasised the importance of each individual to all New Zealanders showing them they can be truly proud of their achievements evermore, stating: “once an Olympian, always an Olympian”.

Mayor Jono Naylor highlighted the significant role of the Olympians within our community, with particular mention of his 10-year old son coming home excited from meeting hockey Olympian Emily Naylor.

Mayor Jono Naylor and NZOC Secretary General Barry Maister presented each Olympian with an exclusively designed Olympic pin featuring the rings and fern and the Olympian's unique number. Olympians also received a commemorative certificate signed by IOC President Jacques Rogge and the NZOC Secretary General, Barry Maister.

This event was one of sixteen functions around New Zealand where the New Zealand Olympic Committee together with the Olympians Club of New Zealand honoured each of the 1,111 athletes. It celebrated the Olympic Movement and its values of excellence, friendship and respect.