Umpires up for prizes

Cricket

Wairarapa's favourite cricket umpire - whoever he or she may be - could be a winner on the national stage.

Kiwi amateur umpires are the driving force behind the success of one of our favourite summertime sports, working tirelessly in their communities to support club cricket.

To reward these unsung heroes, Specsavers and New Zealand Cricket have launched a nationwide competition in search of New Zealand's Favourite Local Cricket Umpire.

New Zealand international cricket umpire and ICC Emirates Elite Panel umpire Billy Bowden says: "This competition is all about recognising those umpires who go the extra mile and I know there are plenty out there. I am looking forward to receiving."

The competition calls for people to nominate their favourite amateur cricket umpire and will run through until January 2013.

Graeme Edmond, Specsavers New Zealand managing director, says Specsavers has been supporting domestic cricket umpires since 2010 and this competition is an opportunity to reward those who volunteer their time to club cricket throughout the country.

"Amateur umpires are the driving force behind the success of grassroots cricket and so we are excited to be offering one lucky umpire a well-earned reward," says Mr Edmond.

Six finalists will be selected from around the country and, from this group, the national winner will be announced. A range of prizes includes tickets to this summer's International ANZ Series featuring the Black Caps against England, $1000 spending money and a one-on-one training with a top New Zealand umpire. Details: facebook.com/SpecsaversNewZealand