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The late Sgt Matt Ratana
Photo: BBC
The 54-year-old was nominated by East Grinstead Rugby Club, where he was head coach at the time of his death.
His partner, Su Bushby, accepted the award on his behalf at the awards ceremony in Salford. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took time to vote for Matt, she said. He would have felt humbled by this. Matt was a very special man, definitely one of a kind who touched so many people s lives. He lit up every room and every pitch with his presence, enthusiasm and smile.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took time to vote for Matt,” she said. “He would have felt humbled by this. “Matt was a very special man, definitely one of a kind, he touched so many people s lives. Through his policing, gym, friends and passion for the great game of rugby, he lit up every room and every pitch with his presence, enthusiasm and smile. “I am honoured to be here standing here to accept this award tonight. Matt is, and always will be, my hero.” Ratana attended Palmerston North Boys’ High School and Otago University, then in 1989 moved to England to play rugby for London Irish.
Kiwi cop Matt Ratana named BBC Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero
20 Dec, 2020 10:58 PM
2 minutes to read
NZ Herald
A former New Zealand Police officer killed on the frontline has been awarded the BBC Sports Personality Unsung Hero award.
Metropolitan Police Officer Sergeant Matiu (Matt) Ratana died after being shot in his chest after being fired at several times by a suspect in handcuffs inside a Croydon police station in September.
Today his partner Lisa received the award, saying her hero would have felt humbled by it. Matt was a very special man. Definitely one of a kind who touched so many peoples lives through his rugby, gym, friends and love and passion for the great game of rugby. He lit up every room and every pitch with his presence, enthusiasm and smile.