Olympian to attend Hilux Rural Games

Olympic gold medallist and Toyota ambassador Valerie Adams is set to appear at the Hilux New Zealand Rural Games in Palmerston North next month. The games will be held on The Square in downtown Palmerston North on March 11 and 12, and features traditional sports like speed-shearing and wood-chopping. Contests for spectators will also feature, including speed-milking, hay-stacking and wine-barrel racing. Entry is free. Toyota New Zealand said that “Dame Valerie may even try her hand at some of the events up against the nation’s finest” once the opening ceremony has finished. “It will be a great chance to become involved in the Hilux New Zealand Rural Games and celebrate pure heartland and traditional rural sports,” Adams said. Adams is most high-profile athlete to attend the Rural Games so far, said founder and trustee Steve Hollander. “We are absolutely delighted that Dame Valerie is able to fit us into her hectic schedule. She is one of the greatest athletes this country has ever produced and a wonderful inspiration for all Kiwis to get out there,” he said. “I have no doubt that she would absolutely smash the current New Zealand women’s gumboot throwing record of 34.45m set at last year’s Games, and I reckon the world record of 49.25m is seriously under threat if she gave this a go,” Hollander added.