Fans can hear top coach at charity event

All Blacks Sevens coach Sir Gordon Tietjens will give a motivational speech at Rotorua Civic Theatre tonight. Photo / File

Sports fans will get the chance to get up close and personal with All Blacks Sevens coach Sir Gordon Tietjens tonight.

Sir Gordon will be giving a speech at the Rotorua Civic Theatre ahead of the Bayleys National Sevens tournament, which kicks off tomorrow.

Event promoter Brett Marvelly said the evening would be something special for the Rotorua community to experience.

"He's a fantastic motivational speaker and I think it's a very special opportunity for people to see him speak about his life and how he's got to where he is today," he said.

Sir Gordon is expected to talk about his coaching career, his thoughts on the sevens tournament and his plans for the future, among other things, Mr Marvelly said.

Guests would also get the chance to ask Sir Gordon questions after his speech.

Mr Marvelly said there had been a lot of interest in the event so far, with more than 200 bookings made.

He expected about 350 people to attend the charity event, which was organised by the Rotary Club of Rotorua.

"Absolutely 100 per cent of the proceeds will go to charity," he said. "It will be a wonderful night and it's for a great cause."

Mr Marvelly said the event was not limited to sports fans but was open to anyone.

Sir Gordon was appointed a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 1999 and was promoted to a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit last year.

Details

What: An Evening with Sir Gordon Tietjens.
Where: Rotorua Civic Theatre.
When: Tonight. Bar opens 6.30pm, with speech beginning at 7.30pm.
Cost: $35. Tickets available from www.ticketmaster.co.nz or 0800 111 999