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surf rescue : october ‘08
The DHL Awards recognise contribution and excellence over the 12 month period. a
b
c
d
Life Member Awards Alan Thompson Surf Life Saving Waikanae, Gisborne
Denis Cooksley Mairangi Bay Surf Life Saving Club
Alan Thompson (Hose to his friends) is the epitome of the term ‘All
Denis joined Otaki SLSC in the summer of 1963 – 45 years later
rounder’. Alan an active Lifeguard and competitor for in excess
Denis is awarded a SLSNZ Life Membership. Denis served twenty
of twenty years has also spent twenty seven years coaching at
eight years as an active Surf Lifeguard and twenty seven as a
his Waikanae club. Alan tried his hand as a Club Captain, Chief
competitor. In total Denis spent thirty five years as a Club coach with
Instructor and Gear Steward, in total serving on the committee for
Otaki SLSC, Levin Waitarere SLSC and finally Mairangi Bay SLSC.
thirty three years.
Denis was the SLSNR Director of Surf Sports for seven years
Alan served on the District management committee of Surf Life
between 1994 and 2000. He has amassed 33 years as a District
Saving Gisborne for twelve years and as a district board member for eight. He represented Gisborne for twelve years from 1978-1989.
Surf Official between SLSWD and SLSNR, including four years as SLSNR’s Chief Judge.
Alan has also completed eighteen years as a District Surf Official
Internationally Denis has officiated at Rescue 2004, Rescue 2006
including ten as the event referee.
and very recently at Rescue 2008. Denis was awarded a SLSNR Life
Nationally Alan served as a New Zealand selector for six years, New Zealand Championships Organising Committee for three and the New Zealand Coaching Advisory Panel for four years. Alan represented Surf Life Saving New Zealand three times in 1982, 1985 and 1987. Alan Thompson three time Olympian and two time Olympic gold medalist has been recognized by SLSNZ with a Life Membership.
Membership in 2007 and a Mairangi Bay Life Membership in 2000.
A: Kelvin Williams and Murray Wison from Otago proud winners of the London and Gudsell Trophies B: Phil Corcoran DHL and Neale Ames Volunteer of the year C: Denis Cooksley receives his Life Membership from Jim Campbell President of Surf Life Saving New Zealand D: Phil Corcoran DHL and Allan Mundy