A century of sporting service

NATASHA MARTIN

IT TAKES TWO: Stalwarts of South Canterbury sport, Brian Dore, left and Doug King, are still active after clocking up 102 years of service between them.

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Two stalwarts of South Canterbury sport who together have served for more than 100 years were acknowledged for their tremendous contribution at the annual sports awards.

Clay target shooting's Doug King and rugby referee Brian Dore both received a special mention in the outstanding service to sport category.

King started his association with clay target shooting as a "trap boy" in 1947.

He was also involved in the shift of the Timaru Clay Target Shooting Club from Washdyke to Levels in 1950.

King was on the committee for many years and was trap master for 22 years from 1963.

For the past 12 years, the 69-year-old has coached secondary school children three days a week and still arranges the days out when social clubs and others want to try the sport.

Since 1974, every second year, he has attended the national championships in Christchurch as a trap mechanic.

He is the club's president, groundsman and janitor.

King said he loved being involved in the sport and helping out.

"It's in my veins. The people are marvellous and there are all sorts involved."

Pointing to the last competition scores on the board, King said he was pleased at how the Craighead shooters were progressing.

"There are a couple of good shots in there, one girl scored 14 in her first full skeet which is really good."

Dore has a similar record of service but in a different sport. He started with the South Canterbury Rugby Referees Association in 1970.

His passion has been fuelled by the camaraderie of the referees. which he said was very high.

"I was invited in by Tim Gresson and John Ward and have never been able to get out of it.

"It's about working together although you are on your own on the paddock."

After playing rugby for Zingari seniors "at halfback or wherever they were short" he turned to whistle blowing and was a referee for 12 years.

Dore was chairman from 1985 until 1994 and president for three years from 2001.

For 14 years he was the sole appointments officer and is a life member of both the rugby union and referees association.

He is still on the coaching and grading committee and the assistant appointments officer.

Dore is described, along with Norm Dickson, as one of the two "father figures" of the referees.

Others nominated for the outstanding service to sport award for their contributions were: Belinda Dore (basketball), Linley Welford (athletics), Liz Ballantyne (croquet), David Pearce (swimming), Roger Rae (football), Brian Armstrong (powerlifting) and Smiley Haua (rugby).

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