Swimming New Zealand award Ron Clarke with SNZ Life Membership

Ron Clarke from Canterbury was last night presented with a Swimming New Zealand Life Membership Award for his commitment to swimming in New Zealand. Ron, currently a member of the SNZ Technical Advisory Committee, was presented with this prestigious award by fellow life member and Chair of the SNZ Technical Advisory Committee Lesley Huckins. The presentation was made at the Swimming Canterbury West Coast Annual Awards in Christchurch, as part of a great celebratory evening.

Swimming New Zealand’s outgoing President and life member David Gerrard announced the award via a video message, and Lesley presented him with the life membership certificate, pocket, and pin in front of family and friends from the local community.

Ron spoke shortly after receiving his Life Membership:

"This is a bit of a shock really and a real privilege. I've been involved for many years and I absolutely love it. I love the people and I love seeing the swimmers achieve. I've been privileged to be involved. Thank you very much."

Ron Clarke has been involved in swimming 30 years, with his interest in swimming originating in 1991 when his daughter joined the St Albans Amateur Swimming & Lifesaving Club based out of the Edgeware Pool in Christchurch.

Over the past 30 years Ron has been heavily involved in swimming administration, having previously held roles as President of Swimming Canterbury West Coast, board member of Swimming New Zealand, SNZ representative of Aquatics New Zealand and honorary secretary of Oceania Swimming Association to list a few. Ron has also been an active official over the past 20 years, having officiated at national and international events regularly, including multiple FINA Oceania Championships and the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Ron continues to officiate at national events each year and is a current member of the SNZ Technical Advisory Committee.

The entire swimming community congratulates Ron on this extremely well-deserved award.

Photos: Kim Berquist