Greymouth Athletic Club Presidents Report 2016-17

Welcome to the 79th AGM of the Greymouth Athletic Club.  I’m proud to be here representing one the district’s oldest clubs and would like to acknowledge all the former members that have played their part creating our history over the years. I’d like to start the meeting with a moments silence to acknowledge the passing of one of our Life Members, John O’Brien who will be sorely missed as an official, friend and genuine wonderful club member.

We also note the passing of former members Andy Grogan who has the Andy Grogan Shot Put Trophy presented in 1959, Barbara Bird nee Waller former athlete in late 1950’s 60 and was secretary for our 50th Jubilee in 1988 Verna Bird  nee Nelson former athlete about 1947 to 49, Maureen Dando  nee Molly 1947 and Jim Hamilton, a long time stalwart from Hokitika. I need to praise the efforts of our committee who have worked hard to keep the club sustainable in some trying circumstances. I congratulate the executive, committee and members in playing their part. Particularly, the efforts of Margaret Swinburn who has again been inspirational and wonderfully supportive to me in my role as president, Deb Oldman for the excellent job she does as treasurer and Ken Swinburn for his efforts presenting our grounds in such wonderful condition despite personal health challenges.

We continue to be hampered as a club with fickle weather conditions which saw us lose 11 weekends prior to Christmas. Rabbits remain an issue despite an on-going poisoning campaign. Vandalism remains a constant threat and the Kaikoura Earthquake has left us with an Insurance battle to deal with our damaged clubrooms. The lack of an all-weather track in Christchurch still haunts us some 8 years after the loss of the QEII facility and that impacts directly on the pathways we can provide for our athletes. Potentially a new track could be in place by April 2018 at Riccarton.

On a more positive note we again provided facilities for the schools to deliver their sports days with over 2,500 student participations across school, district & regional events.  The junior club continues to thrive with around 120 members and our Mahar Cup team competed well in Nelson with our largest away in many years. Our Masters athletes competed successfully at South Island and NZ Level with Lisa Ryan and Joe Tasker to the fore and Jack’s 3rd placing at the World Masters Games was a highlight.

Our track hosted world champion shot putter Tom Walsh, NZ 800m runner Angie Pettie and World Top 10 Squash player Paul Coll for training sessions over the year which is testament to the superb condition Ken retains it in.

A successful Lion Foundation grant has seen the purchase of a new tractor, thanks to the hard work of Margaret to complete the application. Volunteers are the backbone of our club and I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed over the year. From holding a measuring tape to dealing with insurance, stocktaking equipment to selling raffles or filling in holes to repairing equipment, it is all essential to running or club and greatly appreciated.  Again, special thanks to Keith Barrow who continues to run the weekly meat raffle at the Recreation Hotel. This fantastic source of income is due to Keith’s dedication to this over many years.  

Our Junior club has retained solid numbers and changing committees sees the sport evolving and aligning nicely with the seniors however the challenge remains to transition juniors to the senior club. We will work closely with the junior committee to identify ways to build a sustainable sport.

It is important we embrace change in order to grow so don’t be shy with ideas how we can grow membership, liven up competition days, support training and coaching opportunities. Let your voice be heard and keep athletics strong on the West Coast.

And I wish everyone a successful 2017/18 season whatever your goals are. 

Jack O’Connor ,

President.