One who climbs trees, another who cuts them down and a carter named Carter all secured plaudits at the Rural Sports Awards in Palmerston North at the weekend.
Ken and Karen Breckon at Breckon Farm Stables
In addition to the main awards, Te Awamutu’s Alan Wallace received a Lifetime Legacy Award for his contribution to competitive ploughing.
The retired farmer won the New Zealand Ploughing Championships four times and became the first New Zealander to win the World Ploughing Championship in 1981.
Alan Wallace
Beyond competing, he has played a crucial role in administering ploughing events, judges confirmed.
Harness racing breeders Ken and Karen Breckon, who featured in The News in December when showcasing their new state of the art complex in Ōhaupō were also acknowledged for their contribution to rural sports.
The Rural Sports Awards featured during the annual Rural Games, a weekend-long event designed to showcase a wide range of country pastimes.
The award winners were: Sportsman of the Year – Jack Jordan, timbersports (Taumarunui), Sportswoman – Steph Dryfhout tree climbing, (Tauranga), Young Sportsperson – Carter Dalgety, harness racing (Canterbury). Sportsperson with a Disability – Adam Hall, skiing (Wānaka), Lifetime Legacy awards, Alan Wallace, ploughing (Te Awamutu), Jack Davis, sheepdog trials (Cromwell), Sir Mervyn Tutuiri Church, rodeo (Bay of Plenty). Contribution to rural sports – Ken and Karen Breckon, harness racing (Ōhaupō), Lyn Baigent, shearing (Wakefield). Sir Brian Lochore Memorial Award for Outstanding Sportsperson from a Rural Background – Tim Southee, cricket (Northland).
