Sports Writer Honoured at Opening of Masters Games

MEDIA RELEASE 4 FEBRUARY 2012

Sports Writer Honoured at Opening of Masters Games in Dunedin

In recognition of his services to the Masters Games, Otago Daily Times sports writer, Alistair McMurran was given the honour of igniting the Games torch that will burn for the next ten days at the Games Village in the Forsyth Barr Stadium. Alistair has covered every Masters Games in Dunedin since they were first held in the city in 1992.

Games Manager Aaron Joy said the Games Committee were unanimous in bestowing this honour on Mr McMurran. “We really wanted to acknowledge the superb job that Alistair does in providing the Games with news coverage. There are 70 sporting events at the Games and Alistair works tirelessly over the ten days to get to as many he can. His depth of knowledge across so many sports is always well reflected in his writing plus we believe he captures the very essence of the Games.”

Alistair McMurran defines the spirit of the Games as the camaraderie and dedication of competitors.

“Everyone is enthusiastic and pleased about the success of their competitors as well as their own. I really enjoy the enthusiasm and energy of the competitors of all ages, particularly those in older age groups who are an inspiration to us all. I remember Rose Jacobs who at 96 years of age took part in the 5 K walk, competed in indoor rowing and track and field sprints. She told me that she still went to the gym three or four times a week. She was an absolute inspiration.”

Alistair McMurran, who has worked for the ODT since 1975, has himself been a keen sportsmen and an even more distinguished coach. Alistair has coached many notable NZ long distance runners including Dick Tayler at the time he won Gold for the 10,000 meters at the Christchurch Commonwealth Games, Euan Robertson who came 6th in the 3000 metre Steeplechase at the Montreal Olympics in 1976, and John Campbell who came 12 in the marathon at the Seoul Olympics in 1988.

Dick Tayler, who is at the Masters Games for the seventh time as a Games Ambassador, also paid tribute to Alistair for his tremendous coverage of the Games and as someone who he said had helped him win the 10,000 meters in Christchurch.

Tayler said, “Arthur Lydiard always said to me that he got the credit but that Ali had done the work!”

Alistair McMurran believes that the Masters Games has raised the awareness of fitness and health in the community. “The Games give competitors a goal to work towards over several months and it improves their own fitness. I think the government should help fund the Masters Games as a preventative measure which could translate into savings for the country’s health budget.”

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