Ohinemuri Regional History Journal 48, September 2004
RUTH AITKEN and VODAPHONE SILVER FERN'S VICTORY
Paeroa based Ruth Aitken, coach of the Vodaphone Silver Ferns, lead her netball team to an historic win against Australia, thus winning the World Netball Championships held in Jamaica in July 2003. To honour Ruth's homecoming, Paeroa was transformed with decorations, balloons and ticker-tape. Hundreds of people lined the main street and viewed a hastily but well-organised parade. Ruth was accompanied by her husband, Grant, and sons, Michael and Jamie.
In February 2004, Ruth won the Waikato Regional Sports Award and the following week she won the Coach of the Year Award at the Halberg Awards.
See Journal 46 (September 2002) for an article written by Ruth Aitken, Ruth Aitken (nee Fathers) : Family History [Journal 46: Ruth Aitken - Family History - E]