It is with great sadness that Sport Southland wishes to advise that the board chair of Sport Southland, Steven Kennedy, passed away suddenly yesterday.
Steven was a respected leader in sport and recreation in Southland. He had been a Sport Southland trustee since 2012, replacing Ginge Burnett as chair in 2015.
Steven was also heavily involved in motorsport, including being the president of Motorsport New Zealand, and he was honoured for his services to motorsport with a Services to Sport award at the 2010 Southland Sports Awards.
Sport Southland chief executive Brendon McDermott said he valued the support that Steven had provided over many years.
“As an organisation and as individuals we are deeply saddened at this loss,” McDermott said.
“Steven and I developed a close working relationship over a long period and Steven was also well known by our staff. He was extremely well connected and well respected around the country and came with a tremendous sense of optimism and positivity. I know how much motorsport, in particular, meant to Steven and this is a huge loss for that code.
“Our thoughts are with Steven’s wife Adrianne, and all of the family and extended family, at this sad time.