University of Minnesota Athletics
McCutcheon Receives Order of Merit
5/2/2017 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
University of Minnesota volleyball head coach Hugh McCutcheon had a busy week, flying to Aukland, New Zealand. During his time there, he served as an ambassador to the World Masters Game. He also received his Order of Merit Award from Queen Elizabeth II and the Governor General, Patsy Reddy (pictured above).
As an ambassador, McCutcheon coached a clinic for WMG volunteers with United States Olympian Logan Tom. He also was a part of the awards ceremony and passed out medals. Not only was McCutcheon an ambassador, he also played in the World Masters Games.
Volleyball was one of 28 sports taking place across 45 competition venues during World Masters Games. With a minimum age category of 30+ for both men and women, the competition schedule includes two volleyball disciplines. The World Masters Games is the largest multi-sport event in the world. In terms of athlete numbers, it is bigger in scale than even the Olympics. Auckland hosted the event from April 21-30, during which time 25,000 athletes competed in 28 sports across 45 competition venues. The Games were regarded as the largest event New Zealand hosted in at least a decade.
While in New Zealand, McCutcheon received his award as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM). The announcement came in conjunction with The Queen's 90th Birthday Honours List in 2016. Orders of Merit was instituted in 1996 and awarded to those "who in any field of endeavor have rendered meritorious service to the Crown and nation or who have become distinguished by their eminence, talents, contributions or other merits."
