"Let the Games begin!"

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 404, 17 September 1991, Page 1

"Let the Games begin!"

BY

JULIE

NATION

The weather may have been wet, but spirits were anything but dampened at Sunday's inaugural opening of the 1991 New Zealand Winter Games in Ohakune. A luncheon between sponsors, organisers and invited guests earlier in the day was attended by Prime Minister Jim Bolger, but due to other commitments it was Sport and Tourism Minister John Banks who officially opened the Games later in the day.

Mr Banks commended games organisers Andreas and Yvonne Hefti on their "fabulous effort" in bringing the games to Ohakune. "The concept of a New Zealand Winter Games is excellent," he said. "I applaud such entrepreneurial thinking and support the move." Mr Banks stressed the importance of tourism in New Zealand, saying more effort is needed to market New Zealand as an off-season destination for competitive and recreational skiers from overseas. "We cannot afford to overlook the Turnpage2

Games begin

trompage 1 correlation between our prestigious sports events and tourism, which is another of my portfolio responsibilities. I am convinced that we do not capitalise fully on the ability of our top sportspeople and sports events to focus interest on our country." The Games were welcome he said, because they pro v ide "exceptional opportunities for New Zealanders to have a go" in a winter sports festival. His words were echoed by Waimarino District ! Mayor Garrick Workman who encouraged visitors to the area, to "spend up large" during their stay. The Games, running through to October 5,

feature winter sports and alpine events - a total of 18 competitions. While some activities have been running since April, the Waimarino events kicked off with an 11km fun run from Raetihi to Ohakune and a 25km cycling time trial, taking in a double circuit from Ohakune to Rangataua. Both events were poorly represented, chiefly due to poor weather conditions, but organisers are confident that interest and numbers will grow throughout the month. Andreas Hefti said future Winter Games will be promoted on an international scale, with the aim of attracting participants from all

over the world, with some thought given to translating promotional material into other languages - particularly Japanese - "to take advantage of the growing number of tourists from that part of the world." General Manager for the Manawatu-Wanganui Area Health Board, John Boyack, spoke on behalf of the Board that is sponsoring this year's 'Over The Top' Ironman event, and promoting responsible drink-drive attitudes with a Drive Safe campaign running throughout the duration of the Games. Other distinguished guests to attend the opening were Peter Dale representing the Hilary Commmission, and top New Zealand skier Simon Wi Rutene who had the distinction of lighting the flame at the top of the recently erected Games podium, declaring the 1991 Winter Games officially open.