Cricket superstar graduates from Otago Polytechnic

Thursday 10 December

New Zealand cricket superstar and living legend graduates from Otago Polytechnic

While his Black Caps teammates put themselves to the test against Sri Lanka this week, star player Grant Elliott will be celebrating another achievement.

His broken arm may be keeping him off the sports field, but it means he can attend graduation. New Zealand cricket superstar and living legend Grant Elliott will graduate from Otago Polytechnic tomorrow, Friday 11 December, with a Bachelor of Applied Management through Capable NZ.

“I always wanted to get a degree and started doing a Bachelor of Commerce when I was 19, but then professional cricket took over. The Bachelor of Applied Management through Otago Polytechnic has helped me realise I have skills that are transferable for when I do make the transition from sport, and the knowledge that I can achieve and progress in any job I choose,” says Grant Elliott.

South African-born Grant Elliott came to New Zealand for a lifestyle change, and to chase his dream to be an international cricket player. He currently plays for the Wellington Firebirds and the Black Caps.

“The Bachelor of Applied Management has given me the confidence to enjoy my cricket more as well so I can go out there and enjoy the sport for what it is, and play it with a smile on my face instead of dreading what might happen after my sporting career is over,” says Mr Elliott.

Otago Polytechnic Capable NZ programmes enable people to achieve the tertiary qualification they have always wanted through assessment processes that measure skills, knowledge and prior learning.

“Grant brought ‘all of himself’ to his work and perhaps behaved like a typical elite athlete – with focus, considered thought, dedication and determination. There was no such thing as ‘this will be all right’ – he exhibited those attributes that businesses would kill for,” says Capable NZ Programme Leader and Facilitator Glenys Ker.

Grant Elliott joins a long list of famous New Zealand sporting greats who have graduated from Otago Polytechnic. These include:

Barbara Kendall Wind Surfing
Steve Edwards Black Sticks
Shea McAlese Black Sticks
Phil Burrows Black Sticks
Katrina Grant Silver Ferns
Jodi Brown Silver Ferns
Danyon Loader Swimming
DJ Forbes NZ Seven’s
Mark Dickle Otago Nuggets, Tall Blacks (Basketball)

Capable NZ pre-Graduation function

Before the main graduation ceremony alongside all Otago Polytechnic graduates, Grant Elliott will be attending a Capable NZ morning tea along with other Capable NZ graduates to celebrate their achievements.

Venue: The Hub, Ground floor, H-Block, Otago Polytechnic, Forth Street, Dunedin

Date: Friday, 11 December 2015

Time: 10.00am - 12:30pm

ENDS

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