Cycing NSW

President’s Report

How a letter can inspire you and then gut you

I received a letter on Tuesday from one of the true gentlemen of our sport -  Jack Griffen.  Many of you know this former Inverell now Port Macquarie stalwart who has been involved in all 48 Grafton to Inverell’s one way or the other.  Jack wrote to me about a story in a Melbourne newspaper.  He was making me aware of this article and as I was reading the letter and then checking out the story I was thinking “gee, isn’t it fantastic that I have such great members and friends out there who are “looking after” the sport by keeping me in touch with things that are happening any where in Australia.  I then started to finish the letter and all within a few words my heart missed a few beats and I felt – well I felt empty, drained, motionless as these few words sunk in.  Jack was telling me that he had just learnt of the sudden and tragic death of Murray Coxon.  Murray was just 34 and he was a great bike rider in his younger days.  It wouldn’t have mattered if he was a great young rider or not, I remember Murray and I was deeply saddened to learn of his death.  I hadn’t heard not even by the normally reliable “bush telegraph”.  I now offer my deepest sympathies to Murray’s family and friends.  It is a sad loss and it may be clichéd – but Murray was a member of the cycling family – our family – so the loss is extended beyond his immediate family and close friends.  Rest in peace Murray.

Innovative, hard yards and great promotions!

I am continually being impressed by clubs and small committee’s who are finding sponsor dollars, introducing new and challenging events and offering great opportunities for our riders.  On this occasion we need look no further than Southern Cross, Bicisport and Lidcombe.  Bicisport advertised their prize-money originally as $3,000 but they are now heading fast towards $7,000!  Fantastic effort!  Lidcombe Auburn had an incredible 50 odd club members attend the Tour Down Under but somewhere along the line they have had time to come up with a new event concept – the gladiators.  Sure I have to wait and see how the event pans out but even before its held the mere fact they have come up with something like this is Fantastic stuff!  Get on their website and take a look at what they are doing and Southern Cross are hosting another great promotion and they too should be congratulated for their hard work and effort.  Well done all round.

Great Response

Too early to tell if our commissaire and volunteer numbers will increase as a result of my story last week but I am heartened by the number of emails I received supporting the story or offering much valued information.  I sincerely thank each of you that took time to put your thoughts in writing.

Just who will master the DGV this weekend?

It’s a busy weekend for our Masters as they hit the boards for state championship honours.  Some great racing is promised and I have a feeling we may see some upsets! 

KEY DATES [please take note]

Junior U/19 and U/17 cyclists who have goals of performing well in 2007, 2008 and 2009 Junior Road selection events now have an opportunity to improve their future performances.

The Women’s Sport Leaders Scholarship Program gives women the skills and confidence to succeed in their sport – on boards, as decision-makers and as coaches and officials.  Women taking part in the program will be better able to make a positive contribution to your sport, and your organisation will benefit from a wider pool of expertise.

This year the scholarship program has been expanded to include two new categories – Sports Management Development and State Sporting Organisation Initiatives. 

Please find attached a flyer promoting this year’s program.  Hard copies will also be posted to you.  If you require further flyers for distribution to your clubs, please contact Kathy Booth, Project Officer on 9006 3843.

Scholarships are offered in the following five categories:

·         Sports Leadership Scholarship (SLS) – recipients to undertake a comprehensive 4 day professional development program in sports leadership and administration;

·         Coach and Official Development Scholarship (COD) - provides opportunities for women wishing to progress in coaching and officiating to apply for financial support;

·         International Travel Scholarship (ITS) –up to $3,000 to attend an overseas conference, event or training program;

·         Sport Management Development Scholarship (SMDS) - provides opportunities for women wishing to progress in all levels of sports administration to apply for financial support to attend agreed professional development opportunities; and

·         State Sporting Organisation Initiatives (SSOI) - provides an opportunity for category 5/6 State Sporting Organisations (SSO’s) to apply for up to $5,000 in funding for specific initiatives that assist women progress in that particular sport. 

Visit our website www.dsr.nsw.gov.au for more information or contact Kathy Booth, Project Officer on (02) 90006 3843 or email kbooth@dsr.nsw.gov.au.

We thank you for your assistance in distributing the information and attracting women to apply.  Please call me if you have any questions.

Click here to view the flier