Lord Coe arrives in NZ to share sporting vision

Lord Sebastian Coe. Photo / Getty Images.

One of the leading voices in international sport is in New Zealand today to share his views on the powerful role sport can play in society.

Double Olympic gold medallist, former chair of the London Olympic and Paralympic Organising Committee and current IAAF vice-President, Lord Sebastian Coe, will today meet with key influencers in New Zealand sport including the New Zealand Olympic Committee, HPSNZ and Sport NZ as well as the Minister for Sport the Hon. Jonathan Coleman and the Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. John Key.

The positive legacy of London 2012, the relevance of sport in society today, integrity of sport and the need for sport to grow and change to remain relevant to future generations are on Coe's agenda.

Having declared his candidacy for the Presidency of the IAAF, Coe will also meet with Athletics NZ and a number of athletes from that sport.

"New Zealand has a proud sporting heritage. I am looking forward to hearing more about what matters to athletes and young people here. Understanding their needs is vital if sport is to remain relevant into the future." he said. "My long term involvement in sport has left me in no doubt of the hugely positive role sport can play in society. I also look forward to discussing this with leaders in New Zealand sport, particularly with the Prime Minister, today."

New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO Kereyn Smith says she is delighted Coe will spend time with heads of New Zealand sport today. "His lifelong involvement in athletics and the Olympic movement means he is well positioned to share his views about what is required to secure a positive and relevant future for sport, the positive legacy of the London Olympic Games and what he believes he will bring to the Presidency of the IAAF."

Sport NZ CEO Pete Miskimmin said "We like to think of ourselves as one of the most successful sporting nations, but we can't take that for granted. So we're really looking forward to hearing Lord Coe's views on engaging and inspiring young people into sport, and in particular about his efforts to use the London Olympic Games to that end."

Seb Coe will begin his day with the New Zealand Olympic Committee attending meetings with members of the board and management followed by an informal morning tea with athletes and others. He will then address National Sporting Organisations and spend time with heads of Athletics NZ, Sport NZ before presiding over an IAAF Kids Athletics Event at AUT Millennium. He will meet with the Prime Minister and Minister for Sport at the close of the day.

Due to training commitments, IAAF World Athlete of the year Valerie Adams will meet with Seb Coe privately later in the day.

Seb Coe has visited New Zealand a number of times including attending the Oceania National Olympic Committee General Assembly in 2009 in Queenstown. Following his visit to New Zealand Coe will fly to the Gold Coast to attend the Oceania Athletics Congress.