Pledge scheme for Games funds

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 8, Issue 371, 29 January 1991, Page 2

Pledge scheme for Games funds

From page 1 Following discussions on implementing the scheme, individuals are being asked, if able, to contribute and become members of a Winter Games Supporters' Club. Various club member's benefits are being arranged now, said representative Yvonne Hefti. The organisers of the

games are to hold a public meeting on Tuesday 12 February for a presentation on the games and to report on progress to date. The meeting is to be an introduction to the games for members of the public, said Mrs Hefti. Speakers from various places will talk on their successes with events, on marketing, tourism and the benefits they bring to the community. Clubs and organisations who are being asked to participate in the Games will be invited to the public meeting. The pledge system will be administered by the RSBA and the money allocated to the Winter Games as needed, said

Mrs Hefti. So far the alpine events calendar has been finalised with work still being done on the offmountain events. Mrs Hefti said it is the offmountain events that the association would like to build up over the next two to three years. "We would like to see three or four international events held as part of the New Zealand Winter Games in the next three years," she' said. The alpine events start at Whakapapa on 16

September with the Mitsubishi Motors Open National Ski Championships and end with an international ski, cycle and running triathlon at Turoa on 4 October. Associated events hoped for include cycling races, fun runs, darts, snooker, volleyball, multi sports, rollerblading, rugby, mountain biking, basketball, badminton, golf, netball. Financial benefits of holding the Winter Games have been outlined by the organisers.

If an estimated 1800 participants spend $150 per day and stay three to five days they will bring into the area $1,080,000. Plus 1000 managers, friends, partners, coaches, officials and supporters would bring $600,000. Four to six thousand visitors for one day during the Games at the opening and closing ceremonies, fancy dress ball, beer fest, concerts and fun events could bring in $250,000, say the organisers.