New era for tertiary student sport

New era for tertiary student sport

Press Release by University Sport NZ, 10th July 2001

A Special General Meeting of University Sport NZ unanimously endorsed a strategic plan including polytechnic and other tertiary students for the first time in the 100-year history of university sport.

The July 7 meeting’s call to include non-university tertiary students means that polytechnic students are likely to compete for the first time at the 2002 usit BEYOND Travel University Games hosted by Waikato University.

“I am very pleased that the outcome of some two years of discussion has led to this point”, said Darel Hall USNZ President. “Our members, primarily university students’ associations, are very keen to see an inclusive organisation that embraces tertiary student sport.”

“The task now falls to USNZ to identify students associations and/or institutions that are interested in participation, and a good level of competition. It is worth noting that 9 students at Unitec and 10 at Waikato Polytechnic received Prime Minister’s sports scholarships earlier this year. With the University Games being in Hamilton next year this suggests some obvious areas of investigation, and in the next few days I’ll be writing to several campuses we’ve identified as having a sporting strength.

“There are still many details to work through. There is no way we can compromise the magic of the Games or the current levels of service we provide to members. We are also aware that some sports are concerned about non-university involvement so we have to be open about that, perhaps involving a top tier of sports that are more inclusive.

“USNZ will take a cautious, systematic approach to sorting out the issues that present and making sure we can provide New Zealand’s tertiary students with great opportunities for participation, excellent competitions, and a stepping stone for higher honours such as the World Student Games in Beijing next month.”

Contact: Darel Hall 04 499 7686

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