Sports adviser appointed to meet needs

THE newest member of the Upper Clutha sporting community says he is looking forward to working in a region full of ‘‘amazing talent’’.

Kelvin ‘‘Tiny’’ Carruthers has filled a newly created community sports adviser role in the Upper Clutha for Sport Central, as the community continues to experience rapid growth in both population and sporting participation.

Mr Carruthers will be supporting clubs with their needs, including focusing on the quality and quantity of coaches and facilities, and encouraging collaboration and coordination between groups to ensure a good experience for all.

With more than a decade’s experience working in a similar role in the Clutha district and as a director of sport at John McGlashan College in Dunedin, he said he was looking forward to his role in Wanaka.

‘‘It’s quite exciting really. ‘‘There’s some pretty interesting and exciting characters out there. There’s heaps of knowledge and expertise, so it’s quite an amazing place.’’

Since being appointed a month ago, he had been talking to the various clubs in the area and had noted they faced similar issues, Mr Carruthers said.

‘‘Committees are under pressure and understaffed and there’s always a need to be resourcing the coaches.

‘‘I think there’s also a want for attracting highprofile coaches or speakers into the area, so I’ll be trying to do that.’’

He also noted the difficulties athletes faced in travelling out of the region for competition, and said an effort to centralise and improve competition in Central Otago would be of great benefit in the future.

He would be holding forums for clubs once a month starting in February and encouraged committee members to attend.

PHOTO: SEAN NUGENT New role . . . A growing population and increasing participation in sport in the Upper Clutha has resulted in Sport Central appointing Kelvin ‘‘Tiny’’ Carruthers as community sports adviser.