It said the club’s primary concern at this time was the wellbeing of the victims.
“We wish to reassure members that the club is a safe place, and that it will continue to serve our community by providing positive and safe gymnastics experiences.”
Competitive coach and life member Tony Quirk told the Herald the club will be making no further comment
Clarke said Pask was a well-known figure in the Blenheim community for many years and had been in continual contact with children and young people.
“Police acknowledge the victims in this matter and the ordeal they have been through. While the man responsible for the offending has pleaded guilty, police understand that no conviction will ever take back what has happened.”
Clarke said police believe there may be further victims and asked anyone who was a victim or their family, to come forward and report what occurred.
“We understand it can be hard to come forward and report incidents of this nature, but we would like to reassure you police take these matters seriously and have a number of officers and detectives dedicated to these cases, we will ensure you have a safe space to report offending in confidence.”
Victims can contact police on 105 or come into your local Police station and reference file number: 230903/8087
Katie Harris is an Auckland-based journalist who covers social issues including sexual assault, workplace misconduct, crime and justice. She joined the Herald in 2020.
