Van Dyk to Promote Voice of Athletes
One of New Zealands longest-standing and most respected sports people, Irene van Dyk, has been elected to the New Zealand Olympic Committee Athletes Commission.
Following her retirement from international Netball in June, van Dyk says she now wants to spend time contributing to the well-being of New Zealand athletes.
The Athletes Commission represents the interests of New Zealands Olympic and Commonwealth Games athletes. It provides oversight and input into a number of issues including selection policies, athlete agreements and the appointment of team officials, as well as having representation on the New Zealand Olympic Committee Board.
I wanted to be on the Commission because I want the athletes voices to be heard, said van Dyk. It is also important to have people representing athletes that have experience competing on the world stage.
Alexis Pritchard (boxing), Shea McAleese (hockey) and former cyclist Cath Cheatley were also confirmed to the commission following recent elections and will join a team of experienced athletes including triple Olympic medallist Barbara Kendall and bronze medal winning rower Nathan Twaddle.
Van Dyk, who helped the New Zealand Netball Team win two gold medals at the Commonwealth Games says she believes she can contribute to supporting athletes as they transition to life after sport.
The life of an athlete post competition is a subject close to my heart, said the 42 year old van Dyk. In New Zealand we are fortunate to have programmes in place for athletes around making a smooth transition out of competition. The issue is in making sure that all athletes know what is actually available and accessible to them so they can perform even better. Knowing that there is the support out there is key.
Van Dyk says she is also looking forward to playing a role in the New Zealand Olympic and Commonwealth Games movements.
I am looking forward to contributing to a high performance environment where detail and performance planning, right down to the finer details, could be the extra ingredient to help someone win gold. It is a way of making sure that athletes have available everything they need to perform at the top of their game.
New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO Kereyn Smith says the Athletes Commission has a strong focus on the Olympic and Commonwealth Games and has recently undergone a significant planning and refresh process.
We are delighted with the calibre and commitment of the athletes who are putting their hand up to provide leadership and advocacy to the New Zealand Olympic Committee on matters important to them, she said. The new members will bring fresh insights and ideas to the commission and increase its effectiveness in priority areas.
The process of the election means that those sitting around the table have the support athletes and are in touch with the real issues within New Zealand and globally.
The new representatives were elected by Glasgow Commonwealth Games team members.
Athletes Commission 2014
Chantal Brunner Convenor and New Zealand Olympic Committee Board Member (member until May 2015)Olympic Games - 2000, 1996Commonwealth Games 2006, 2002, 1998, 1994
Irene van Dyk (Netball)Commonwealth Games: 2002, 2006, 2010
Shea McAleese (Hockey) (Olympian 1057)Olympic Games: 2008, 2012Commonwealth Games: 2006, 2010, 2014
Alexis Pritchard (Boxing) (Olympian 1196)Olympic Games: 2012Commonwealth Games: 2014
Cath Cheatley (Cycling) (Olympian 1009)Olympic Games: 2008Commonwealth Games: 2006, 2010
Katie Calder (Cross Country Skiing) (Olympian 1113) Olympic Winter Games: 2010
Beatrice Faumuina (Athletics) (Olympian 706)Olympic Games: 1996, 2000; 2004 2008Commonwealth Games 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010
Alison Fitch (Swimming) (Olympian 708)Olympic Games: 1996, 2004Commonwealth Games: 2006
Barbara Kendall (Boardsailing) (Olympian 631) IOC Member Olympic Games: 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008
Ben Sandford (Skeleton) (Olympian 991) Olympic Winter Games: 2006, 2010, 2014
Nathan Twaddle (Rowing) (Olympian 966) Olympic Games: 2004, 2008
The New Zealand Olympic Committee Athletes Commission thanks outgoing member Dion Gosling (hockey) for his contribution.