NZ Judge Recognised - From Hawke's Bay to Korea

CONGRATULATIONS TO JO BURNS

Congratulations to Jo Burns – our FINA A Judge on her recent acknowledgement, for the third year running, as the Official of the Year at the Hawkes’ Bay Sports Awards.  Jo continues to demonstrate there are many different ways to shine on the world stage – in her case, as a FINA A Judge, recognised by her peers as one of the best judges in the world.  In recognition of this, she has been appointed to officiate at the FINA World Championships in Gwangju, in Korea.  We wish her all the very best as she heads offshore for this achievement.

It is also with some sadness that we will bid her and her family – husband Cam, and daughter Grace – farewell, as they head offshore to take up teaching positions in China on a two year contract.  They will be based in Hangzhou – there is no synchro club in their town, but we all know China are a force to be recognised in synchro, so we suspect it may not be too long before they find out she is in their midst!!!  Jo will still be supporting us from afar with some selection decisions and input into judging when appropriate.  The Board is currently working through how we build a family of judges to take over the various functions Jo has fulfilled in recent years.  While we will miss her hugely, we know this is a wonderful opportunity for the Burns’ family, and wish them all the very best.