Gaye Bezzant
Softball international Gaye Bezzant is to become the 41st inductee into Cambridge’s Sports Walk of Fame.
The announcement was made this week – at the same time six inductees were announced for Te Awamutu’s Walk of Fame.
They are father and son wrestlers Brian and Shane Stannett, equestrian cross-country course designer John Nicholson, champion axeman Jason Wynyard, composer Dr Michael Williams and author Heather Morris.
When Bezzant is inducted into Cambridge’s Sports Walk of Fame later this year it will acknowledge a lifetime of sporting achievements.
Cambridge’s Walk of Fame acknowledges achievements in everything from polo to ploughing, and it has not been added to since bronze plaques were unveiled in Duke St to acknowledge rowers Eric Murray and Hamish Bond, BMX rider Sarah Walker, squash champion Joelle King and judoka and powerlifter Doug Mienie.
Bezzant, who has spent all her life in the Cambridge area, was a New Zealand softball representative for a decade from 1955 and served as vice captain in the 1964-65 season. She also represented Waikato in softball, netball, basketball and golf and coached across a range of codes.
“She was the ultimate all-rounder, talented across a range of codes,” Waipā mayor Jim Mylchreest said.
He acknowledged the recognition was a long time coming “but Gaye will now rightly take her place alongside other Cambridge sporting giants.”
“She has earned her place and I’m thrilled that her achievements will publicly celebrated and honoured in this way.”
The announcement of new names for Te Awamutu takes to 34 the number of inductees. The honour acknowledges people who were born in or around Te Awamutu and achieved their notable success as a resident.
