Red Beach JuniorSurf Chairman Edwin Richards has been presented with a Distinguished Service Award from Surf Life Saving Northern Region.
The presentation was made at the recent Awards of Excellence night held at the ASB Lounge, Eden Park.
Ed had his beginnings with the South Brighton club in Christchurch before moving to Auckland. He joined the Red Beach club as a patrolling lifeguard in 1978 and competed with distinction in ski and canoe events.
As a committee member for several years he served as gear steward, instructor and deputy captain while maintaining a high competitive interest. For four years he was a member of the Auckland Surf Lifesaving rep team and in 1987 was the top achiever at the Auckland Championships, winning six gold medals.
From 1991-1997 he was a New Zealand selector and in the mid-nineties was the NZ Development Squad Coach.
He has been a member of Red Beach’s JuniorSurf Committee for five years, serving as chairman for the past two seasons. Ed also represented New Zealand in kayaking at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.