No application made on runner’s behalf

Press, 3 February 1982, Page 36

No application made on runner’s behalf

New Zealand’s latest sub4min miler, Peter O’Donoghue, of Northland, had never had any application for financial assistance made on his behalf to the New Zealand Sports Foundation, said the chairman of the grants committee, Sir Ronald Scott, of Christchurch, yesterday. It was possible that an application had been made to the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association, but none had been put before the foundation, Sir Ronald said.

He was replying to a claim by O’Donoghue’s coach, Mr John tlavies, that the runner’s first application for assistance from the Sports Foundation had been turned down. Mr Davies, a bronze medallist in the 1964 Olympic Games 1500 m, said that he hoped the second application would be more successful.

There seemed to be a knowledge gap about how the foundation operated, Sir Ronald said. The foundation considered only applications forwarded to it by national sporting associations. Individuals could not apply on their own behalf. “We are very keen to help people like Peter O’Donoghue,” he said. Sir Ronald could not comment on the possible outcome of any application which might be forwarded on behalf of either O’Donoghue or the equally promising young Canterbury 1500 m specialist, Michael Gilchrist. However, provided they are prepared to meet the long term requirements of the foundation, it is almost certain that development grants will be made to both athletes. The foundation had two

main objects, to help top sportsmen and to help young people who were showing great promise. Young people of potential were the hardest to decide on, but they were the most exciting, and the most important; but the foundation did not like handing out developmental grants on a short-term basis. Periods covering two, three or four years were preferred, Sir Ronald said. Two development grants are at present in operation for two young athletes, the long jumper, Stephen Walsh, of Auckland and the javelin thrower, John StapyltonSmith, of Canterbury. “The Sports Foundation is prepared, and very eager, to make its resources available if national associations and individuals are prepared to make the necessary commitments,” Sir Ronald said.