Kiwis’ favourite summer sport officials can feel confident when making the tough calls on the pitch this season, as for the third year in a row, Specsavers has partnered with New Zealand’s domestic umpires.
BLACKCAPS and Otago Volts player, Neil Wagner, says, “Cricket needs umpires and it’s important that players and fans acknowledge the contribution they make to our game. This competition Specsavers is running is a great way to honour umpires’ commitment to cricket.”
The competition calls for people to nominate their favourite local amateur cricket umpire and will run from 21 October 2013 through to 13 January 2014.
Six finalists will be selected from around the country and from this group the national winner will be announced. A range of exciting prizes are up for grabs including tickets to this summer’s International ANZ Series featuring the BLACKCAPS against India, $1,000 spending money and a one-on-one training with a top New Zealand umpire. Those that nominate someone will also be in the draw to win a voucher for two pairs of Specsavers glasses, including prescription sunglasses.
New Zealand international cricket umpire and ICC Emirates Elite Panel Umpire, Tony Hill, says, “I know first-hand the time and energy that goes into being a local cricket umpire; it’s an amazing privilege to be involved with the young cricketers that are coming through the ranks.
“This competition is all about recognising and rewarding those umpires that generously dedicate hours of their time, in their community; the mentors in the background inspiring and motivating our budding future cricket stars. I am looking forward to receiving a mountain of entries from people around the country who want to nominate their most deserving cricket umpire.”
Communities are encouraged to nominate their favourite local umpire by visiting www.specsavers.co.nz/favouriteumpire/. Entries close 13 January 2014.
