Adams home as new prize beckons

Rotorua's Valerie Adams will be back in her home town today on a promotional tour. Photo / File

New Zealand shot putter Valerie Adams, who is in town today, has been named as one of three women's finalists for the IAAF World Athlete of the Year award.

The two-time Olympic champion is joined by Ethiopian distance runner Genzebe Dibaba and Dutch double sprint European champion Dafne Schippers as front-runners for the award.

Adams will be at the Rotorua Central PostShop on Tutanekai St as part of her community tour with New Zealand Post. Drop in to grab yourself an autograph or a photo with her between 1pm and 2pm.

In the morning she will visit the Post Office on Waterford St and later host a Get Set Go skills session for primary school children in Years 1 and 2.

Adams is an ambassador for New Zealand Post and supports ActivePost.

"I really love that ActivePost programmes introduce children to such a variety of sports and movement. I'm looking forward to the tour because it's so important to connect with our communities, and if I can help inspire people through these events, then I've done my job."

New Zealand Post brand and community investment manager Nicola Airey said the Get Set Go events were a great introduction to sport for very young children.

"ActivePost is New Zealand Post's way of helping build active communities. We can't think of a better way of kicking off summer than taking such an inspirational sports hero as Valerie Adams on a tour of New Zealand communities."

Adams has been unbeaten while winning gold at the indoor worlds and Commonwealth Games.

The winners will be chosen by the IAAF's ruling council and announced on November 21.