Media Release

22 July 2009

Council reaffirms name

 
Manukau City Council's Policy and Activities Committee last night reaffirmed its earlier decision (of 7 July), approving the naming of the new athletics track at Lloyd Elsmore Park in Pakuranga as the 'Yvette Williams Track'. Ms Williams is New Zealand's first female gold medallist.

The committee also reaffirmed its earlier decision to approve the Pakuranga Athletics Charitable Trust Inc.'s naming of the pavillion at the Lloyd Elsmore track as the 'Ron Johnson Pavillion'.

The motion was passed seven to six.

Ms Williams has won gold medals for long jump at two Empire Games (now known as Commonwealth Games), in Auckland in 1950 and in Vancouver in 1954, and at the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games. She was also inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame.

Ron Johnson, a long standing supporter of the Pakuranga Athletics Club, has won national and international World Masters titles.

Chair of the Policy and Activities Committee, Colleen Brown, says this is proud recognition of the contribution these sporting icons have made to Manukau.

"Ms Williams and Mr Johnson have provided not only inspiration for our youth, but also support in the development of sporting skills. Such commitment creates positive possibilities for the future of sports, and the council is pleased to acknowledge it with the naming decision."

The construction of the $2 million athletic running track and associated facilities is a joint project between Manukau City Council and the Pakuranga Athletics Charitable Trust.

ENDS

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