Winter Games NZ feted at New Zealand Olympic Committee Launch

At last night’s New Zealand Olympic Committee launch of its Winter Olympics 2010 campaign, NZOC Secretary General, Barry Maister, thanked 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games for showcasing the excitement of winter sport and New Zealand’s elite athletes.

He went on to say 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games has far exceeded expectations, not just here in New Zealand but internationally. “I was talking with FIS Secretary General Sarah Lewis and she said this event had exceeded her expectations by two or three notches and that makes me extremely proud,” he said.

Mr Maister then went on to recount the story of the Winter Games NZ evolution before presenting Winter Games NZ chairman, and former NZOC president, Sir Eion Edgar with the Honorary Presidency of the NZOC.

“Back in 2005 Eion and myself were sitting with the Olympic Secretary Generals of the USA, Canada, China, Korea and Japan and at that meeting we decided we should maximise our geographic link to benefit our athletes and Eion suggested the Winter Games concept… I never had a moment when I doubted it would actually happen. He is only interested in the ‘O’ for opportunity in the SWOT analysis and he went about gathering people around him to realise that dream and make things happen, the first of whom was CEO Arthur Klap… It is in recognition of his service, commitment and passion for sport that I am delighted to present Eion with the title of Honorary President of the NZOC.”

The 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games closes today after nine days of world-class international competition featuring 800 elite athletes from 40 nations. Prime Minister John Key will officially close the event following a spectacular closing display of aerials and fireworks, broadcast live around the country on Sky TV. For further information, visit www.wintergamesnz.com.