Sports foundation to target ‘elite’ women

Press, 1 June 1989, Page 42

Sports foundation to target ‘elite’ women

PA Auckland The New Zealand long distance runner, Allison Roe, and the television presenter, Trish Stratford, have set up a New Zealand Women’s Sport Foundation. The initial aim is to promote five sponsored events each year, probably starting with a world women’s triathlon next April, which already has the support of the New Zealand representative, Erin Baker. Other plans include an all-woman international match-racing regatta just before the America's Cup final in 1992. Stratford, who will next month take up a two-year contract to set up and head international sport for Television New Zealand, said the foundation will back and promote top-line sport for women through all codes. She said it will be strictly commercial, for the elite and developing sportswoman. The former New Zea-

land Rugby Union councillor, Mr Tom Johnson, is in charge of raising finance which will be generated through sponsorship, subscriptions and fund-raising events. "We are going to be event-orientated,” Stratford said. “We want to popularise women’s sport and provide a central network of information.” A board of trustees will be appointed and a selection committee of about 12 will vet applications for assistance. A travel and training fund will be available for specified campaigns. There is to be an annua, sportswoman of the year award, and others for a sports journalist and college athlete. Stratford said there were moves to set up a women’s sports hall of fame, perhaps in Auckland’s new Aotea Centre. She said there would be a monthly newsletter and perhaps a national magazine. A constitution was

agreed to last week, and premises established jn Auckland’s Union House where Roe, a former Boston and New York marathon winner, will work full-time as executive director. Stratford said there would be a special drive to encourage high school students with clinics conducted by top overseas specialists for young athletes.

"Sport helps people to interact in a competitive world,” she said, “yet most of our women athletes drop off at 15 or when they leave high school." Stratford and Roe began putting the foundation together last March after they held a women’s skm road race which attracted a field of 3000. A similar foundation functions with great kudos and success in the United States. It was set up by the former women’s tennis star, Billie Jean King, during the late 19705.