Skate opportunity for Timaru

BY STU PIDDINGTON

International inline skating coach Bill Begg believes Timaru could host the World Inline Speed Skating Championships in 2015 once the proposed new rink on Caroline Bay goes ahead.

Begg, who is coaching in China, has had informal talks with International Federation of Roller Sports secretary Roberto Marotta and he believes the time is right to bring the championships back to New Zealand.

"We talked about the development of the new 200m track to international requirements in Timaru and he was keen."

Begg said New Zealand would be a popular destination for world-class competitors and Timaru had the right sort of sporting infrastructure to host a world speed skating event.

"It's about getting support from the whole community but I believe a world event would get the backing."

Begg said he had a similar talk a couple of decades ago and secured a world championships for Perth, where he was based.

"I raced against Roberto Marotta back at World Championships back in 1975 in Argentina and we were also pen friends for many years.

"Now he is the big political power in the world of speed skating and I served four years on the world speedskating body with him, so there is a very close association.

The other thing in New Zealand's favour was the fact the last time the championships were held in New Zealand was 1989 in Hastings.

"That was a long time ago, so they are due to come back to New Zealand if there is an international class facility."

Begg said with over 50 countries competing and each country allowed up to eight skaters in each division, there would be real benefits for Timaru.

"While we could not count on major financial support from our New Zealand Federation, other options are available."

Begg believed Sparc, as well as charitable gaming trusts, would back the event.

While it could cost a six figure sum, Begg believed it would be worth it.

If successful, Timaru would also host an Oceania and New Zealand championships immediately prior to the event.

"Timaru has already proven what a bunch of enthusiastic and motivated people can do. Now it's time to secure the future.

"It is also a grand opportunity to give the youth something to strive for in the future."

The South Canterbury Roller Skating Club is over halfway towards the $455,000 it needs to put down a new track. Club spokesman Mark Lowen said the club has raised $235,000 so far.

- © Fairfax NZ News