Golden invitation from Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan

At 2pm on Saturday 26 October, the people of Central Otago will finally get their chance to congratulate our Golden Boy Finn Butcher on his amazing triumph at the Paris Olympics.

Finn will be joined by dozens of paddlers from the Central Otago Whitewater Club back on the waters of the Manuherekia River, pulling in just past the Shaky Bridge.

The paddlers will then form a Guard of Honour for Finn as he enters the Linger and Die area.

People are welcome to line the path and share a moment with Finn and his medal as he walks to Centennial Park, where a Civic Reception will be held for him.

This is your chance to meet Central Otago’s first Olympic Gold Medallist and to hear him speak on the incredible experience he has just had.

Let’s show Finn just how proud we are of him. See you at the Linger and Die, 2pm Saturday 26 October.

Note: Central Otago Whitewater paddlers, which Finn is part of (pictured in story below), had a great medal haul at the New Zealand Canoe Slalom National Championships were held at the Mangahao Power Station near Shannon on October 3-6:

Read more: Central paddlers’ medal haul in Canoe Slalom National Champs (centralapp.nz)