Jim Harland's contribution to the New Zealand Masters Games was recognised in Dunedin recently.
His long association with the Masters Games began in 1991 and he played a significant role in making sure the Games were successful.
Harland, a former chief executive of the Dunedin City Council, played a key role in making sure Dunedin's sporting venues were kept at a high standard.
His administrative ability was recognised and he held the post of chairman of the Masters Games board from 2011 to 2013.
Harland was a director of the New Zealand World Masters Games 2017 board that was set up to bring the world event to Auckland.
It was a major coup to bring the event to New Zealand because the World Masters Games is the largest multisport event in the world.
About 25,000 competitors and 15,000 spectators are expected to visit Auckland in 2017.
Harland's special award, which consists of New Zealand Masters Games gold, silver and bronze medals displayed in a glass frame, was made by the New Zealand Masters Games company.
''Jim made a significant contribution to the New Zealand Masters Games and the Dunedin Masters Games Trust,'' New Zealand Masters Games chairwoman Philippa Baker-Hogan told the Otago Daily Times.
''His large commitment culminated in a successful bid for the 2017 World Masters Games in Auckland.''
Another special award, presented to Dunedin Masters Games Trust chairman John Bezett, was made by the organising committee of the Dunedin Masters Games.
