Shooter qualifies for Olympics, but can't go

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 415, 3 December 1991, Page 2

Shooter qualifies for Olympics, but can't go

Although N.Z. champion clay target shooter Phil Garland had already proved himself worthy of representing New Zealand at the 1992 Olympic Games he has now learnt that the New Zealand Olympic and Commonwealth Games committee has no longer a place available for any shooter in his

sport. This means the Waimarino Community Sports Development Fund, which was set up by a group of people interested in helping sport within the area, has now fulfilled its first aim although in disappointing circumstances. Their first aim was: "Initially to fund development expenses incurred by Mr Garland to

represent New Zealand at the Barcelona Olympic Games". Phil's training expenses have amounted to $9000 and he was given this amount together with a letter from the fund committee in appreciation of his dedication and fine sporting record to date. The fund is now able to concentrate on its other two aims. Namely: • To create a fund to

promote the development of sport in the Waimarino district. • To benefit sporting organisations in the Waimarino district. To achieve these aims fundraising continues by way of the weekly raffle (the results of which are published in Ruapehu Bulletin above the "Movies" advertisement) and tickets are still available.

The current committee is made up of people mainly from Raetihi, Ohakune and Waiouru who are interested in promoting the sports fund and there will soon be opportunities for supporting sports groups to apply for funds on behalf of teams or individuals. For all interested, a public meeting will be called early next year to establish how the ongoing administration committee should be selected. The group's Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, 11 March, 1992 at 8pm. The committee is looking for volunteers who can meet and contribute on a regular basis, have a keen interest in all sports and are willing to take the responsibility of researching applications before and after the grants are made available.