Biggest Cricket Fan In New Zealand Found

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Biggest Cricket Fan In New Zealand Found

Timaru father-of-three Nigel Barrett has been named the biggest cricket FAN in New Zealand and will soon be watching his beloved game on a new home entertainment system.

Nigel identified himself as a SIDELINE FAN in the Samsung Cricket Fan competition, which called on Kiwi supporters of the game to explain which of five generic FAN types best described them and why.

The judging panel, which included Black Caps legends Martin Crowe and Chris Cairns, and Samsung New Zealand General Manager Marketing, Jean-Philippe Diel , were greatly impressed by Nigel’s dedication to the game of cricket and his family.

Mr Cairns said he particularly enjoyed reading about Nigel’s hopes for his children to achieve their father’s dream of playing cricket for New Zealand.

“Nigel sounds like a great family man and is clearly dedicated to his three children. He is a great example of a Kiwi Dad who enjoys spending time with his family, while maintaining his passion for New Zealand cricket!” said Mr Cairns.

Mr Crowe said competitions like Samsung’s The FANs search provided an excellent opportunity for sponsors of New Zealand cricket to recognise Kiwi cricket fans and thank them for their ongoing support.

“Samsung has provided a way for fans of cricket to be the best FAN they can be and this competition proves the strong connection New Zealanders have for cricket and their national team,” said Mr Crowe.

Nigel was chosen as the biggest FAN from the Canterbury province and won the national title ahead of the five other regional winners. His entry was one of hundreds received from throughout New Zealand. He wins a Samsung 46-inch Mosel LCD TV and Blu-ray DVD player worth $10,000.

The regional winners were Kylie Sedon, Northern Districts (NON FAN); Roshni Patel, Auckland (PURIST FAN); Darren Rae, Central Districts (SIDELINE FAN); Gareth Kiernan, Wellington (PURIST FAN); Daryl Holden, Otago (SIDELINE FAN). They each won a Samsung hard disk drive recorder and DVD player.

Mr Diel said the success of this campaign meant Samsung would continue its campaign next summer to encourage cricket FANs to get behind New Zealand cricket.

“In the meantime, FANs should go to www.imaginecricket.co.nz and send a FANmail message of support to the Black Caps as they take on the world in the West Indies,” Mr Diel said.

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Nigel Barrett’s winning entry:

“Dear Samsung,

I am sitting here at work, unable to concentrate, knowing the BLACKCAPS have Aussie struggling at 2/24. I’m preparing a plan of attack to head home and wrestle the remote from my children and wife, risking marital harmony for the sake of my beloved game. Bugger the rugger, gimme leather on willow any day.

A cricketer since childhood, representing Manawatu at age 11 for four innings scoring 1-1-1-0, my dream was over. Now a father of three I am insidiously instilling a love of the game in my children, hopeful that one of them will go on and achieve the dream that was their father’s.

Rest assured I will be found in front of the TV all World Cup, hand on heart, feet off the ground, supporting Flem and the lads as they go forth and conquer.

Rgds
THE SIDELINE FAN”

The FANs FAN types

PURIST FAN
AKA The Extreme Fan, The Ultimate Fan, The Passionate Fan, The Real Fan ... Purists are traditional, die-hard FANS.

The PURIST FAN is obsessed by cricket. There is nothing else that matters more during summer. They can recite the latest batting averages, explain a "googly", and even recall when England last won the Ashes. They know a silly mid-off from a long on, a yorker from a full toss.

SIDELINE FAN
AKA The Lounge Fan, The Comfort Fan, The Comfortable Fan, The Comfy Fan, The At-Home Fan

The SIDELINE FAN is often known as the Lounge FAN, who prefers watching the action at home from the comfort of their home. For this FAN, the latest large screen television is a key component of the cricket watching experience.

The NON FAN
AKA The Abandoned Fan, The Deserted Fan, The Neglected Partner Fan, The Anti Fan, I-Don't-get-it-Fan, The Tolerant Fan

The NON FANS would like to think they don't have a connection to cricket, but they do. Often abandoned by their partners when a cricket match is on, they are left to ponder the attraction of this complex game. Try as they might, they just can't master the rules, the etiquette, the seemingly endless array of fielding positions.

The SWINGER FAN
AKA The Hot and Cold Fan, The Sometimes Fan, The Limited Over Fan ...

The SWINGER FAN tends to be a sports fanatic - given the right circumstances, they'll gather to cheer on their team with as much enthusiasm as the most ardent supporter, no matter what the sport. They know the basic rules of the game, but aren't expert in the finer details.

The SPINNER FAN
AKA The Good Time Fan, The Terraces Fans, The Life of the Party Fan, The Larrikin Fan, The Lively Fan, The Party Fan

The SPINNER FAN is considered by many to be the "real" FAN of the game. Unlike the PURISTs, their knowledge of the game can vary but they're strong on the important matters, such as how to get the best possy on the terraces and how to put the opposition outfielders off their game.

About Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2005 parent company sales of US$56.7 billion and net income of US$7.5 billion. Employing approximately 128,000 people in over 120 offices in 57 countries, the company consists of five main business units: Digital Appliance Business, Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business and Telecommunication Network Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is the world number 1 producer of colour TVs, memory chips, and TFT-LCDs and a leading manufacturer of mobile phones. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com

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