History

In 1991 three local clubs [Rotorua Joggers Club, Ngongotaha Track Club, Rotorua Amateur Athletic, Cycling and Harrier Club Inc] joined together to become the only athletic club in Rotorua – The Lake City Athletic Club Inc.

Our LCAC has had several very good Presidents over the years, including Len Watson who is a local accountant. Len was initially the Treasurer from 1976 to 1982, then became President from 1991 to 2000. He has also been an Athletics NZ Board Member since the early 1990’s. Len was one of the prime motivators to strengthen athletics in the Rotorua area by the forming of one club. In the early 1980’s he was one of the key motivators in the construction and building of our current clubrooms. Len spent many voluntary hours at working bees to see the project completed. He was also key in upgrading and computerizing results for our popular Rotorua Marathon and Kingsgate Half Marathon. In 1990 Len received the Long Service Award from Athletics NZ for his contribution to the sport, and in 1995 he received the Rotorua District Community Award.

Dennis and Pam Kenny are another couple who have given immeasurable service to the sport of Athletics. They were both honored with Queens Service Medals in 2008, for their 30 years of service to the Rotorua Marathon.

The year before, Dennis was asked whether he deserved a Queens Service Medal (QSM) and he said “no give it to my wife. I believe Pam should be getting the recognition because she did far more than what I have over the years. We both have put a lot into the sport but invariably in these instances it’s the male who gets the recognition.”

Dennis is a former competitor, coach and selector and was involved in athletics in the Waikato and the Bay of Plenty for more than 50 years. He was the Rotorua Marathon’s race director for 34 years.

Dennis & Pam Kenny, PICTURE by BEN FRASER

Pam was a former New Zealand high jump representative, competing at the Perth Empire and Commonwealth Games in 1962 and the Pan Pacific Games in Japan and Canada in the 1970s.

Both Pam and Dennis have served on the Executive Committee in various roles for many years, and have since been awarded Life Membership.

For more history on the club click on:
History by Pam Kenny