Press Releases
Country's top volunteer coach named
14 Nov 2005
From a record 3,200 nominations and 17 finalists from all over New Zealand, Mary Duggan has been named as Wattie’s Volunteer Coach of the Year for 2005.
National winner, Mary Duggan from Christchurch, was described by her nominator as a ‘Pied Piper’. Mary coaches numerous children in sports as diverse as netball, basketball, softball, touch, rugby, athletics, swimming and water polo.
Two special lifetime achievement awards were also presented along with the national winner and two runners up. Details of each follow:
National winner
Mary Duggan CHRISTCHURCH.
Mary is an advocate for getting kids into physical education, ensuring they have a chance to ‘give it a go’. Coaching sports in both winter and summer, Mary is often seen with children flocking around her and those close to her say she just can’t say no when asked to help children enjoy sport. Mary became involved in coaching around seven years ago and coaches at primary and secondary school level.
Runners up
Barry Cleal AUCKLAND
Barry has been a volunteer coach at the Auckland Rowing Club since 1974. This season he coached 20 teams and devoted at least 50-hours a week of his own time.
Described by his nominators as a coach with wisdom and understanding, Barry stands out as having a high level of technical knowledge coupled with excellent people skills and a 100% commitment to coaching.
Peter Derrick NORTH SHORE
Peter is a passionate advocate of boxing training for troubled youth. He has dedicated his life to the sport and has made an incredible contribution to his local North Shore community.
Lifetime Achievement Awards
The following awards are made only when a volunteer coach with a longstanding community commitment emerges. This year, the judges have awarded this prestigious honour to two people.
Crispin Easterbrook THAMES
At 84 years old, Cris Easterbrook has been coaching for 55 years. A boxing coach, Cris has also coached rugby league and cycling.
Kevin O’Brien KAWERAU
Kevin is a 70 year old veteran who has coached for nearly 50 years. Currently coaching netball in Kawerau, Kevin also works with paraplegic sports.
The awards are sponsored by SPARC and Wattie’s, which award the national winner with $5,000 towards coaching development and each runner up $3,000 towards coaching development.
Updated | 30 Mar 2006.
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