Honoured for service to basketball

DEDICATED: Patrick Caudle has received a Basketball New Zealand award for his services to the sport at grassroots level.

Patrick Caudle, who has helped the sport of basketball go from strength to strength in Kapiti over many years, has received a national award in recognition of his voluntary contribution.

He was a winner of a Cedric Cudby Volunteer Award at the Basketball New Zealand awards night held in Wellington.

Patrick, from Raumati Beach, has been heavily involved as treasurer of the Kapiti Basketball Association as well as Hoop Club Kapiti for 17 years.

A nomination citation, from both clubs, praised his contribution in keeping both entities financially viable, helping keep the sport inclusive and affordable, helping with chairman and secretary roles, managing and co-ordinating fundraising including grants and sponsorship, his excellent people skills, sense of humour, even expertise at manning a sausage sizzle.

"I feel very honoured to receive this award," Patrick said.

"Over the years we have had strong committed people working as one to grow the sport of basketball.

"It all started with Steve McBride and Angelo Robinson back in 2000 and has another strong team led by Rob Scriven."

Part of the citation said, "In an era of ever-increasing costs we are fortunate to have Patrick's astute financial management, and we are also extremely grateful for the time, energy and professionalism that Patrick brings to our group of volunteers.

"Patrick holds a very busy senior management position within the ANZ bank in Wellington, and as well as juggling the demands of a young family, he has still managed to have time to give back and support his community.

"He is a huge asset to our organisation and we are lucky to have him."

Angelo said Patrick had been a major part of the growth and development of both clubs and had worked "with the utmost professionalism".

"Patrick gave up his time to make sure that everything worked well and efficiently from the finances, reporting features and always looking at new ways and ideas to assist basketball in Kapiti.

"Being around for this long and supporting me and my vision for both Hoop Club Kapiti and KBA has been a big help.

"We have always made a great team and worked well together."