DTZ Sponsors Otago Kayaker at Pre-World Champs

For Release

June 2005

DTZ Sponsors Otago Kayaker at Pre-World Championships

Property services company, DTZ New Zealand, is sponsoring NZ Junior whitewater slalom team member, Sam Murray, to attend the Pre-World Championships in Slovenia next month.

“It is a wonderful opportunity to recognise an outstanding young New Zealander who is making his mark in sport,” says DTZ CEO, Ross Pickett. “We support Sam’s dedication and striving for excellence - values that are very much in line with DTZ’s own business philosophy.”

The Pre-Worlds are held the year prior to the biennial World Championship that will take place at the same venue in 2006. Sam was selected for the NZ Junior Kayak team by placing in the top four under 18 men at New Zealand’s two selection races.

“Sam has come through our training system and is meeting junior international standards,” says Central Otago Whitewater Coach, Gordon Rayner, “he is an example for other younger kayakers and his success will encourage further growth in the sport. We believe that kayaking has an important contribution to make to the community by providing a positive outlet and a challenge to the young people in our area.”

An Olympic sport, Kayaking is particularly popular in Central Otago and has recently received a major boost with an agreement with Contact Energy to build a number of wave features in the Hawea River that will be suitable for hosting kayak slalom and rodeo events. Contact Energy is the other major sponsor of Sam Murray and his team-mate, Lucien Holgate, both from Alexandra.

18 year old Sam Murray has been kayaking since he was 13 following in the footsteps of his father Philip Murray, a keen recreational paddler.

“At age 16, Sam set himself the goal to represent NZ in the slalom,” comments Philip Murray. “A key element in his success have been top kayakers resident in the area who have been very generous with their time both to Sam and others. In particular, Sam’s coaches, Alexandra resident Gordon Rayner, who was in the NZ team in the early 80’s, and Alan Hoffman of Wanaka. These guys are a significant reason the area turns out such great paddlers and why the sport is so big here. In addition, they get loads of experience on the great rivers like the Kawarau, the Shotover and the Hawea - brought up on a diet of this slalom racing comes naturally.”

After a break, Sam will be returning to New Zealand to pursue further studies at university.

ENDS

© Scoop Media