Ross Bragg Named as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for His Services to Swimming.

New Zealand swimming technical official Ross Bragg has been recognised for his thirty-three year contribution to swimming in the Queen’s Birthday honours list.

Mr Ross Albert Keithton Bragg of Auckland has been named as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to swimming.

Bragg’s involvement with swimming began in 1980 when he supported his daughters at the Nelson South Swimming Club. He quickly immersed himself in both technical and administrative support roles in the Nelson Marlborough Region before progressing to hold the presidency of Nelson Marlborough Swimming from 1988-90 and again from 1993-95.

He was made a life member of Swimming New Zealand in 2011 after many years of working as a technical official and an administrator for the national body. He was the vice president of the New Zealand Swimming Federation from 1993-99 and is currently a member of the Technical Advisory Committee.

Bragg also has an impressive portfolio of international officiating achievements. His various roles have included starter, judge of stroke, turn judge, referee, and chief referee. The London 2012 Paralympic Games was his fourth Paralympics and he has also officiated at various Olympic, World Championship and National events.

Bragg is the Head of Officiating on the International Paralympics Committee as well as being a member of the Special Olympics International Sports Resource Team where his responsibilities are Rules and Officiating.

Swimming New Zealand is very pleased to see that Ross’ considerable contribution to swimming in New Zealand has been publicly recognised in such an appropriate way.