Swimming NZ to implement review recommendations

SPARC Chief Executive Peter Miskimmin has welcomed the commitment by Swimming New Zealand (SNZ) to implement changes recommended by an independent review of the organisation's high performance programme.

SPARC commissioned the independent review by Wellington businessman Chris Ineson following concerns about the likely success of New Zealand swimmers at the 2012 London Olympics.

The review makes a number of recommendations including establishing a high performance committee to advise SNZ's Board, appointing a campaign director to lead the swimmers and coaches aiming for the London Olympics, and a review of SNZ's high performance programme structure.

Miskimmin says the Board of Swimming New Zealand is acting decisively to address the issues raised in the review, stating "what both SPARC and Swimming New Zealand want is the best possible environment for the New Zealand swimmers who are part of the high performance programme. The Ineson report notes that aspects of the high performance environment are not conducive to the swimmers' training and preparation needs for London.

"It's heartening to see that the Board of Swimming New Zealand has accepted the recommendations and has already spoken to swimmers about how it is going to implement them."

SPARC invested high performance funding of $825,000 in swimming for the first six months of this year, with funding beyond that contingent on recommendations of the independent review being implemented.

Miskimmin said SPARC's High Performance Board was due to meet next week and would be considering whether to extend swimming's high performance funding beyond 1st July.

Miskimmin explained that the continuation of funding "is a decision for SPARC's High Performance Board to make, but in light of the positive steps the Board of Swimming New Zealand has already taken, it is likely it will agree to further investment."

Over the next two to three months, SPARC will be working with Swimming New Zealand to ensure the recommendations are properly implemented.