Really positive feedback was received on Olympian, Ian Ferguson’s visit to Tawa Rotary on 30 July 2024 - we had a great turnout of visitors from our community. Ian is a very down to earth person who with humility talked about his races, his losses and how he learned the techniques to win. And win he did – He is one of New Zealand's top medal winners and 1984 Sportsperson of the Year. He has won 4 Olympic gold medals and a silver, plus 5 World Championship medals for kayaking. He raced singles, doubles and fours, but was most famous as a duo with his doubles partner Paul MacDonald. In 1996 Ian was awarded the Olympian of the Century award by New Zealand's Olympic Association Ian was awarded the MBE for services to canoeing. He was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 1993. Ian spoke to the young people in our audience – putting his gold Olympic medal around their necks and encouraging them to try out sports, find a sport that they enjoy and have a go. Anyone can be a winner – focus on what you want to achieve and go for it! Thank you to Mel Waite Photography for the photos of this great evening. | 
