Flavell congratulates Maori-factor athletes
Te Ururoa Flavell
Sports Spokesperson, Maori
Party
5 December 2010
Flavell congratulates Maori-factor athletes
The Maori Party is saluting Kiwis Rugby League captain Benji Marshall of Tuhoe, All Black wing Hosea Gear of Ngati Porou and Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki and squash champion Joelle King, also of Ngati Porou, for their amazing sporting feats.
"Benji, Hosea and Joelle have more than mere x-factor – they’ve got Maori-factor and we salute them for their latest sporting achievements,” Maori Party sports spokesperson Te Ururuoa Flavell said.
“Them and their whanau, who have nurtured them through the highs and lows, have made us as a people so proud because their successes are an example of the amazing things that can be achieved when whanau, hapu and iwi invest in the natural talents and abilities of our children."
Last week Marshall was awarded the most prestigious accolade in rugby league (The Golden Boot), which currently makes him the sport’s best playmaker in the world, while Hosea was named the best Maori sportsperson of the year and Joelle the best Maori sportswoman of the year at the National Maori Sports Awards last night in Auckland .
"Benji has it all – speed, strategic thinking, panache, awesome and honest leadership and a humility that makes him one of a kind in his sport,” Mr Flavell said.
“Hosea has displayed a mana on the field unlike no other which was particularly evident in a recent performance that saw him play for more than an hour with a rolled ankle and still manage to score two tries.”
“Joelle is a force on the international squash scene and I’m sure we will see her rise to become the world’s best in the near future.”
ends