Dame Valerie Adams adds golden touch to NZ Rural Games

Dame Valerie Adams will attend the Hilux New Zealand Rural Games in Palmerston North next month. Photo / Nick Reed

Just how far can Dame Valerie Adams throw a gumboot? We're about to find out.

The Olympic shot put champion will chance her arm at some very different sports next month at the Hilux New Zealand Rural Games in Palmerston North.

Dame Valerie is back in New Zealand ahead of the international season that will see her defend her 2016 IAAF Diamond Race victory, the fifth of her hugely successful career.

She will attend the Hilux-sponsored Games on March 11 and 12 in her capacity as a Toyota ambassador. The weekend event is being held on The Square and features national and trans-Tasman championships for traditional sports like speed shearing and wood chopping alongside fun contests for spectators including speed milking, hay stacking and wine barrel racing. Entry to the event is free.

It is likely once formalities of the opening ceremony are complete, Dame Valerie may even try her hand at some of the events up against the nation's finest. It is also hoped that she will drop by the Toyota marquee to meet spectators.

"It will be a great chance to become involved in the Hilux New Zealand Rural Games and celebrate pure heartland and traditional rural sports," she says.

Games founder and trustee, Steve Hollander says Dame Valerie Adams was the highest profile sportsperson to attend any Games so far.

"We are absolutely delighted that Dame Valerie is able to fit us into her hectic schedule. She is one of the greatest athletes this country has ever produced and a wonderful inspiration for all Kiwis to get out there and keep active, whether that's in athletics or some of the quirkier rural sports we have at the Games," he says.

"I have no doubt that she would absolutely smash the current New Zealand women's gumboot throwing record of 34.45m set at last year's Games and I reckon the world record of 49.25m is seriously under threat if she gave this a go. Everyone's invited to come along and have a go at seeing how close they can get to a true sporting legend!"

Have a listen to Steve Hollander chat to The Country's Jamie Mackay about Dame Valerie, the Hilux New Zealand Rural Games and the Norwood New Zealand Rural Sports Awards in the audio above.

On Friday March 10, Dame Valerie will also attend the inaugural Norwood New Zealand Rural Sports Awards dinner to present the award for New Zealand Rural Sportswoman of the Year, in association with 8 Wired Brewing. Tickets for the event at Awapuni Racecourse have already sold out.

The Hilux New Zealand Rural Games are sponsored by Toyota New Zealand, Fonterra, Husqvarna, Line 7, Mitre 10 and Norwood with major support from Palmerston North City Council, Manawatu District Council, New Zealand Racing Board and Simpson Grierson.