Colin Kennedy

1926 - 2013

Colin Kennedy, Life Member of Swimming New Zealand.

Colin Kennedy was heavily involved with swimming for 55 years in various capacities. At a club level Colin taught, coached, administered, and officiated over a 50 year period.

His involvement with the Palmerston North/Manawatu region involved swimming at all levels. He held every administrative position within the Manawatu swimming centre and he taught children and adults how to swim, as well as coaching competitive swimmers. He was also the most experienced and knowledgeable technical official in the Manawatu.

Colin held every position on the executive while at the same time holding the highest technical officials grading – A grade referee. Even after over 40 years in the sport he continued to be involved on several sub committees.

At a national level Colin was a regular face at national competitions, either as a technical official or meet director. Every year he attended at least one national fixture, as well as being an active member of the New Zealand technical committee.

In 1974 Colin was an Inspector of Turns at the Commonwealth Games in Christchurch and in 1990 he was a Chief Inspector of Turns at the Auckland Commonwealth Games.

Colin’s immense contribution to swimming locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally, was recognised in 2000 when he became a Life Member of Swimming New Zealand. He will be remembered as one of the great stalwarts of our sport.