Fred Strachan receives Lifetime Achievement Award
It was an emotional occasion for Fred Strachan, his three adult children and the other award attendees (there was scarcely a dry eye in the house) when Fred received the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was presented in October at the 2022 New Zealand Sport and Recreation Awards at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre.
The Lifetime Achievement Award acknowledges an individual who has made a significant and lasting impact on the sport and recreation sector through their accomplishments, having served the sector over an extended period and earned the respect and admiration of their colleagues. Hamish Bond MNZM describes Strachan as ‘a great mentor’ who ‘knew what was needed to get to the top level’.
There have been 36 recipients of the award since 2008, including some icons of sport in Aotearoa such as Dame Lois Muir DNZM OBE, Sir Graham Dingle KNZM MBE and our own Ivan Sutherland MNZM. Strachan’s rowing journey started at North End Rowing Club (NERC) in Dunedin in 1944 and continues today as Vice-patron of Rowing NZ, and his extensive service makes him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award. He has life membership of NERC, Dunedin Regatta Club, Avon Rowing Club, Otago Rowing Association, Otago Secondary Schools’ Rowing Association, South Island Rowing Inc and New Zealand Rowing Association (Rowing NZ).
On behalf of the rowing whānau of Aotearoa New Zealand, we would like to congratulate Fred Strachan on this special award. It is testament to the mahi he has given to our sport – a lifetime of achievement.
Mike Stanley also received an award for his contribution to sport as an athlete and a world-leading administrator.
