From Tai-Chi To Beijing

If the New Zealand team’s welfare is top notch at the Beijing Olympics then an erstwhile Tararua sports person can claim much of the credit.

This weighty responsibility hangs on the shoulders of former co-ordinator for Sport Tararua Jake Wilkins who is now team Services manager for the New Zealand Olympic committee.

Jake spent two years in Tararua leaving in 2003 to travel overseas on a road that has taken him onward and upward.

Attending to the home comforts and personal belongings of an Olympic squad numbering around 350 people is a big logistical exercise he reveals in a website interview.

There’s been the uniform distribution involving hats, sunglasses, blazers, shoes and t-shirts – all packed and distributed to their recipients from Levin and a further 112 sent straight to China via container. A total of 11000 items. Included with the uniforms are medicine, cups, pins and team books.

The needs of the equestrian team – and the horses - are not forgotten. A container bound for Hong Kong includes horse covers, fans and – wait for it – plunge pools. “Not for the horses,” he assures us.

And with competitors spread out over six different venues outside of Beijing each village becomes a separate operation

Sorting out the team’s rooming arrangements is another ‘biggie.’

Touch down in China brings the freight co-ordination to attend to, then the “crucial” DRM (Delegation Registration Meeting).

“This is a critical part of arrival in the village where we formally register the team, ensure that accreditation is correct and that sports are entered in the right competition at the right time,” Jake says.

From July 22 he has been managing the delivery of freight into the villages and relevant items to the competition venues – generators and acclimatisation gear to the rowing venue for instance.

Add in the symbols of Kiwi identity – the po (sculpture) which will arrive in an 800 tonne crate and the 100 kg carved gateway for the Olympic village.

So what is Jake most looking forward to? It’s making the life of the athletes and support staff easier. “My work will help them focus on what they’re there to do – which is to excel and to make New Zealand proud.”

It’s a long way from Push Play and Tai Chi classes.