infonews.co.nz
INDEX
NEWS

Welcome to Picton - Home of our Olympian Rower

Friday 24 August 2012, 3:24PM

By Marlborough District Council

740 views

The new road sign welcoming people to Picton, the home of Olympic rower Joseph Sullivan.
The new road sign welcoming people to Picton, the home of Olympic rower Joseph Sullivan. Credit: Marlborough District Council

PICTON

A new road sign welcoming people to Picton, the home of Olympic rower Joseph Sullivan, is to be erected on the southern entrance to the town.

Sponsored by Joseph Sullivan’s long-time sponsor, Graeme Rose of Window Treatments, the road sign will feature the double sculler on the water with his name superimposed over the scene.

The two-metre high sign is to be erected at the entrance to Nelson Square.

Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman says Joseph has done Picton proud, raising the town’s profile in the most positive way.

“Any town, any region would be proud to lay claim to such an outstanding sportsman. An Olympic gold medal in a sport in which New Zealand has the highest international standing is currency beyond value,” he said.
He said Joseph was a source of admiration across the region but his home town was bursting with pride.

“Everyone is keen to find ways to celebrate his achievement,” said Mr Sowman.

A public celebration, arranged by the Picton Rowing Club in Picton on Sunday, has been moved over to the paved area on London Quay as the continuing rain means the grassed area of the foreshore is too water-logged to accommodate a large crowd.

Weather permitting on Sunday, Joseph will be arriving at the Picton foreshore aboard a coxed four, on the “Sea Lion”, the Picton Rowing Club skiff in which he did his earliest training. He’ll be rowed in by Picton Rowing Club junior rowers.