#GameChanger – Neville and Adrienne Warsaw!

We received this nomination for Neville and Adrienne Warsaw as a #GameChangers from Kyla Dimmock and her daughter Lily Ellis and it’s easy to see why.

Neville and Adrienne help at every event that Eventing Canterbury run each year and from what I understand they have been doing this for many, many years despite having no horse rider in the family. 

I don’t know the story behind how they came to be involved but I do know that Neville, who is always on the starters box is a wonderfully kind and considerate man.  The regulars know him well and often share a joke before they depart but it is the new riders, the young riders and the obviously nervous riders that Neville has the biggest impact on.  His quiet manner helps to keep things calm before they set off and he has the most delightful way of making small talk with the riders, asking how their competition is going, or about their horse or pony and putting people at ease.  He then quietly sends them on their way wishing everyone the best of luck. 

Adrienne is at the other end of the XC course as the time keeper and while the riders don’t see her she is at every event with Neville and a very much valued member of the Eventing Canterbury volunteer team.

I evented for a number of seasons and now support my daughter with her eventing.  She loves XC but even more she loves her time with Neville before they set out.  She always tells me what they chatted about after she finishes and always comments about how relaxed she feels leaving the starters box after her wee chats with Neville.

Neville and Adrienne, this is exactly what #GameChangers is about. It is often the quiet, caring acts of kindness which can turn a bad day into a brilliant day. Thank you, you’re what we mean when we talk about #GameChangers: people who are helpful, supportive and kind.

#GameChangers is about encouraging people to tell us about acts of kindness or helpfulness by ESNZ members that made a difference to someone’s day.  So, please keep your eyes and ears open when you’re out and about and nominate someone you witness doing something kind, supportive, helpful for someone (or a horse) that demonstrates the sort of inclusive, supportive, safe and friendly culture we’re working towards with Change the Rein.  We will make sure people are aware of what great people we have in our sport.

If you want to nominate an ESNZ #GameChanger, this is what you do:

Please email to [email protected],nz the following information (#GameChangers in the subject line):

  • Person nominating the #GameChanger – your name, contact details (email & phone number)
  • Who is the ESNZ member being nominated as a #GameChanger (name, discipline, area group/club and role eg official, rider, volunteer, parent)
  • Photo of the #GameChanger person (not necessarily in the act, so to speak)
  • What was the #GameChanger behaviour witnessed and the outcome (this doesn’t need to be heroic – just a kind, considerate, helpful, supportive, inclusive, welcoming, friendly act)