RYM
04/11/2014 14:23
GENERAL
REL: 1423 HRS Ryman Healthcare Limited
GENERAL: RYM: New Ryman village named after rugby great Bob Scott
New Ryman village named after rugby great Bob Scott
Petone village named in honour of All Black
Ryman Healthcare has named its newest village after All Blacks great Bob
Scott.
New Zealand's largest retirement village operator's new $120 million
retirement village in North St, Petone will be named the Bob Scott Retirement
Village in honour of the late All Black who made the area his home.
Bob Scott was born in Wellington and grew up in poverty during the
depression.
A keen sportsman, he became a masterful bare foot kicker because he was
unable to afford boots when he was young.
After volunteering to fight in World War 2, his sporting talent was soon
recognised and he was selected to play for the Kiwi armed forces team.
After the war he played 17 tests for the All Blacks, and built his reputation
as a nimble, attacking fullback who was able to land kicks from over half
way. He is considered one of the finest All Blacks fullbacks ever to play.
Bob ended his rugby career playing for Petone. He bought a menswear store on
Jackson St which he ran for more than 20 years, becoming a well-known figure
in the local business community.
He was awarded an MBE in 1995 for his services to sport and the community. He
retired to live on the Coromandel Peninsula and died in 2012 at the age of
91.
Ryman Healthcare managing director Simon Challies said the name was suggested
by Petone locals so Bob's family was approached and agreed to lend the family
name to the village.
"Bob was a terrific sportsman and a great New Zealander. He grew up in tough
circumstances, but never let that stop him. He lived an outstanding life,
volunteering to serve in World War 2 in Europe, playing rugby at the highest
level and becoming a businessman and local leader who gave a huge amount back
to his community in Petone. His name means a huge amount to his generation.''
Bruce Scott, Bob's son, said the honour would have meant a lot to his dad.
"He'd be modest about it but I think he would be proud and pleased.''
Bob Scott coached former All Blacks captain Andy Leslie and the pair were in
business together for more than 20 years. Leslie said it is a great honour
for his friend.
"He was a wonderful rugby player and he gave an awful lot to the Petone
community. I think he'd be flattered - it is a lovely honour for him.''
About Ryman Healthcare: Ryman was founded in 1984 and has become one of New
Zealand's largest listed companies. The company owns 28 villages and serves
over 8,000 residents in New Zealand and Australia. Each village offers a
combination of retirement living and aged care.
Media advisory: For further information, photos, interviews or comment please
contact Corporate Affairs Manager David King on 03 366 4069 or 021 499 602.
Ends
End CA:00257220 For:RYM Type:GENERAL Time:2014-11-04 14:23:01
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