Metro sports essential

I was bemused to find that I agree with Mike Yardley for once (The Press, Mar 3). Christchurch has benefited immensely from the Golden Oldies sports celebration and I agree there should be a huge effort to host these events.

However, in my view, to attract major events such as Golden Oldie or masters tournaments, what is needed is a metro sports facility with a 50-metre pool and other indoor facilities for high-performance sport. My real concern is that the covered stadium will be at the expense of the metro sports facility (eg a high-diving board).

A metro sports facility would be well used, luring young and old sportspeople into the city daily, not just a few days each year. It would also attract masters, international and national events, and add to the vibrancy of the city.

Barbara Bone

Shirley