August 24, 2020
Captains show class off court with reo wrap
A leading sports commentator says the after-match speeches were the highlights of the weekend’s netball final in which the Central Pulse once again showed it was the best team in the competition.
Ken Laban says he was surprised when the captain of the trounced Mainland Tactix, Jane Watson, began in te reo Māori, and continued her speech in a way that was respectful, humble and gracious.
Pulse captain Katrina Rore also spoke in te reo Māori, including a tribute to departing coach Yvette McCausland-Durie.
While some Māori and Pasifika captains have in the past used their reo, to see Pākehā captains also step up speaks volumes for how far the country has come.
"This is change for good. With a worldwide audience watching, they would use that opportunity to celebrate something that's very, very important so I'm tipping my hat today to the Tactix organisation, the Pulse organisation and especially their two captains, Katrina and Jane for a marvellous example of poise, class and leadership," Mr Laban says.
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