Games selectors elected

Press, 18 December 1986, Page 28

Games selectors elected

PA Wellington The New Zealand Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association has elected the former Commonwealth Games swimming gold medallist, Dr Dave Gerrard, and the archery nominee, Bernie Fraser, its new selectors. In the process the association voted out Jack Prestney, one of two selectors seeking reelection after the decision of the association’s chairman, Mr Roy Dutton, not to stand. Mr Prestney became a selector in 1981. Mr Fraser and the reelected selector, Mr Bruce Cameron, each collected 15 votes at the first ballot. They needed 12 to be elected. Mr Cameron will convene the panel.

Dr Gerrard, aged 41, has. moved through the sporting spectrum from winning the 220-yard butterfly gold medal at the Kingston Commonwealth Games 20 years ago to his appointment as selector tonight.

All the nominees were invited to attend the meeting in Wellington to present themselves to the executive. Each made a short speech.

Dr Gerrard said: “The Olympic and Commonwealth games selectors should see their role not as teaching the selectors in individual sports how to do their jobs but to maintain the credibility of wearing the silver fern.”

Mr Cameron and Mr Prestney, and the swimming and athletics nomination, Norma Williams.

did not attend the meeting. in a twist, Mr Fraser, a member of the executive, was able to vote for himself as the archery representative. The secretary, Tay Wilson, said the administration committee had written to seven athletes inviting them to form an athletes commission. ; The aim of the commission is to bridge the gap between the competitive athlete and administrators. It. is intended members will meet at the association’s expense twice a year. - Invited to join were John Walker and Lorraine Moller (athletics) Chester Hurt (shooting); lan Ferguson (canoeing); Richard Lockhart (swimming); Ken Reinsfleld (wrestling) and Chris Timms (yachting).