Source: Radio New Zealand
Crowds will pack in to watch the Sam Strahan Memorial sheep dog trials at the New Zealand Rural Games. www.ruralgames.co.nz
Harking back to the days of A Dog’s Show, sheep dog trials are returning to the screen in a new broadcasting deal for next year’s New Zealand Rural Games.
After starting from scratch a decade ago, the event – which comprises the big rural sports in one tournament – is gearing up to reach an even wider audience.
Games founder Steve Hollander said the agreement with TVNZ and TVNZ+ marks a new phase for the games held annually in Palmerston North.
He said a significant factor in securing the new deal was the huge attraction of one particular sport.
“Those of us who are a little bit long in the tooth will remember the days when sheep dog trials were carried on television on A Dog’s Show and Country Calendar,” he said.
“Everyone loves it.
“I’d say the biggest crowd that watches any of our sports events watches the sheep dog trials.”
Dog trailing tests the skill and teamwork between a dog and his handler. Sheep Dog Trial Championships in Greenvale, Southland
The upcoming event in March will see national titles awarded for speed shearing, timbersports and fencing.
Some of the rural sports under the radar getting their moment in the limelight include tree climbing and the Southern Hemisphere Highlander Championship.
Hollander said rural sports have been the backbone of generations and he was proud to broaden their reach.
Gisborne fencer Tim Garrick is the defending national speed fencing champion. supplied
The New Zealand Rural Games Trust has been up and running for 13 years as the main organiser of the event.
“This will be our 11th games with a couple of years off with Covid,” he said.
“It’s [The New Zealand Rural Games] one of the biggest investments in rural sports in more than a generation.”
Last year’s crowd over the three-day event in The Square in Palmerston North was 42,500.
Organisers are expecting an even bigger crowd next March with entry free for all the sports.
Also featuring on the television coverage will be the New Zealand Rural Sports Awards night, honouring legends of the rural sporting landscape.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
