Sullivan makeover project a joy for all involved
I’ve always believed that, nationally and internationally, we don’t appreciate what a big part sport can play in moulding us as better people.
My recent involvement in the Sullivan makeover project in Picton simply confirmed what I had already learnt from playing sport through most of my life.
Joseph’s rowing deeds are well documented. He’s Marlborough’s most successful sportsman. When he asked me for a few ideas on how he could repay his parents in some way for all the financial and emotional support they have given him to make his sporting dreams come true, I and fellow organiser Dave Williamson had no idea the project would get as big as it did.
That Joseph wanted to do this for his parents, Mike and Elaine, said everything about this young man who, despite his phenomenal success, has never changed, apart from being more confident in front of the media and in public.
He’s never forgotten where his roots are or those who helped him.
Dave and I were stunned at the level of support we received when we approached local firms and individuals, both in Blenheim and Picton, for help with the project.
People did not hesitate to do whatever they could – whether it be supplying product, services, picking up a paint brush or manning the barbecue.
Joseph is a life member of the Picton Rowing Club but during this project it didn’t matter what club you rowed for, this was all about helping out a mate, a mate who has already achieved in sport what most of us only ever dream of doing.
Bill Campbell, Grant Morgan of the Blenheim Rowing Club, Dave Bugler, Joseph’s first coach at Picton, the Gaudin brothers Keiran and Ryan, former Queen Charlotte College team-mates, Rob Hellstrom, of Wairau, Joseph’s former New Zealand squad teammates Ian Seymour and Duncan Grant, of Wairau.
They were all part of the project, very much hands-on and showed what amazing camaraderie there is among the rowing community.
The three key tradesman involved were amazing.
Builder Lawrence Pope had never even met the Sullivans but he’s a Picton man and just wanted to help.
Plumber Cliff Bowers and electrician Wally Horncastle were fantastic. Not forgetting of course Joseph’s brother, Brayden. He worked tirelessly from dawn till dusk plastering the outside of the house.
A major driving force in Joseph’s success is his intense selfbelief and a stubbornness to prove his doubters wrong. One man who never doubted Joseph and in 2005 took a random punt on his being a worthwhile person to back was Graeme Rose, owner-operator of Window Treatments NZ Ltd.
He’s been helping and supporting Joseph, always under the radar, since he first rowed for New Zealand at the junior worlds with Daniel Karena. It was Rose’s financial backing that made the vital difference in them being able to go and effectively launched Joseph on his path to Olympic glory.
When we approached Graeme to help in the makeover project he didn’t hesitate, supplying and having blinds installed throughout the house and it was great to see him and his wife, Angela, interrupt their holiday to be at the welcome home party.
Despite pretty intense pressure to get the job finished in time for the Sullivans’ return from Perth on Thursday, there was never any panic, certainly no grief and in fact, humour was the dominant emotion.
By initiating this fantastic project to salute his parents’ contribution to his career, Joseph has certainly set the standard for other athletes in similar situations to emulate.
It was an honour and a privilege to be involved in helping out a wonderful Marlborough family and the way so many people gave of their precious time was something I’ll never forget.
Thank you so much to everyone who helped.
I only wish this could be a template for politicians to run the world with.