a lfietime of service - murray haxton, qsm sir brian velvin - knight of the order of life saving
A lifetime of service A member for nearly 60 years, Murray Haxton was awarded a Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) in the New Year’s Honours. Originally a member of Maranui Club in Wellington, Murray competed in every national championship since, in either the New Zealand Championships or Masters champs, until 1995. when he was aged 64. He has continued to attend as an official and in 2002 was recognised for attending his 50th NZ Championships Murray is one of the few who can claim to have represented Surf Life Saving at the Olympics. In 1956, Surf Life Saving was included in the 0lympics as a one-off demonstration sport. In that same team was the likes of New Zealand Swim Coach, Duncan Laing. Closer to home he is the only competitor to win the Open Surf Race at the Nationals three years in a row, as part of the 42 medals he amassed during his competitive years. Murray was made a Life Member of Surf Life Saving New Zealand in 1982, Maranui in 1985 and Wellington District in 1989. He received his 50 year Service Award in 1997.
Murray Haxton QSM is one of the few who can claim to have represented Surf Life Saving at the Olympics.
Sir
Brian Velvin Not content with the New Zealand team winning medals at the World Champs, one of our better known surf officials tried to outdo the team. Brian Velvin was awarded a Knight of the Order of Life Saving by the International Life Saving Federation (ILS). “It’s the first time a New Zealander has been awarded one. That was a bit special,” said Velvin on his return to New Zealand. Brian has had a long history of involvement with the ILS, including serving as deputy chairman of the ILS Sports Commission for six years. He is a Life Member of Fitzroy Club, Surf Life Saving Taranaki and Surf Life Saving New Zealand, so it’s fair to say he has given a huge part of his life to surf lifesaving.
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Every Surf Lifeguard knows the prowerful motivation of saving a life.