Reserve to be named after Hawke’s Bay rowing superstars
Date: July 23rd 2013
Reserve to be named after Hawke’s Bay rowing superstars
Retired Hawkes Bay rowers Caroline Meyer and Georgina Earl (nee Evers-Swindell) are to have a popular reserve named in their honour.
Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule says “The Clive Ski Reserve will be renamed the Evers-Swindell Reserve. The reserve covers 1ha of land on the right bank of the Clive River and Council will undertake a small redevelopment of the area to ensure that it is a fitting tribute to the twins.”
During their stellar rowing career, Georgina and Caroline were the dominant force in the women’s double sculls, winning gold at the 2004 (Athens) and 2008 (Beijing) Olympics and also won gold at the World Championships in 2002 (Seville), 2003 (Millan) and 2005 (Gifu).
Lawrence Yule says “The sisters were granted honorary ‘Freedom of the District’ in 2004 and a promise was made at that time that a park or reserve would be named to honour their magnificent sporting achievements. Since then Council has been waiting for an opportunity to fulfil this promise. Unfortunately none of the new reserves it has acquired have corresponded with their sporting background and interests. I am therefore delighted that the Clive Ski Reserve will be renamed Evers-Swindell Reserve, given its close association with rowing and other water sports.”
“During their career, Caroline and Georgina were incredible ambassadors for Hawke’s Bay and the terrific results they achieved, speak volumes for their skill and dedication to rowing. The Clive Ski Reserve is an extremely popular venue for water sports and it is also in close proximity to the Hawke’s Bay Rowing Club.”
The Clive Ski reserve includes a boat ramp which allows access to the Clive River and is one of the district’s camping areas for self-contained vehicles.
Georgina and Caroline Evers-Swindell retired from rowing after a nail biting gold medal performance at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
A ceremony will be held at the reserve to mark the name change (date to be determined).
ENDS