Ian Kirkpatrick "Sportsman of the Year"

Fifth season All Black Ian Kirkpatrick, regarded as the best flanker in the world today, was announced Sportsman of the Year at the annual Crippled Children Society sportsmen's dinner.

Kirkpatrick was one of four nominations for the award. The others were Richard Clark (croquet), Benny Hutchings (surf life-saving), and Gerald Fuller (rifle shooting).

A new award was presented this year by Gisborne Round Table, for Sports Administrator of the Year. It was won by Mr Ken Morse, for 40 years of service to swimming and life-saving. There were seven other nominations.

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Ian Kirkpatrick with the trophy which was donated by Leopard Breweries.

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Sportsmen of the Year nominees Richard Clarke . . .

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. . . Benny Hutchings . . .

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Mr Morse (left) and Round Table president Peter Wright with the handsome trophy.

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Guest speaker Alan Davidson, former Australian, test cricketer

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. . . and Gerald Fuller

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Guest speaker NZBC senior sportscaster Lance Cross

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Leopard Breweries Gisborne manager Mr Paul Sceats presenting the trophy to Ian Kirkpatrick

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Third guest speaker, N.Z. Sportsman of the Year and Commonwealth Games gold medal cyclist, Harry Kent