Oceania National Olympic
Committee [ONOC] president Kevan Gosper stepped down after 20
years of service at the organisation's annual meeting in
Queenstown yesterday.
Gosper, who won a silver medal for Australia in the 4x400m
relay at the Melbourne Olympics in 1956, will be replaced by
Robin Mitchell of Fiji.
The 75-year-old was honoured with an Australian Sports medal
in 2000 for services to athletics and the Olympic movement.
New Zealand Olympic Committee secretary-general Barry Maister
said Gosper's departure would be a huge loss.
"Kevan has a huge involvement in the Pacific . . . he's well
known, he's well-respected and has a huge knowledge of the
Olympic Games," Maister said.
"So, yes, he's a big loss, but I think after 20 years it is
appropriate to move on.
"What is really great is the Oceania convention has got it
first Pacific Islander. Robin Mitchell is very highly
respected. I think it was pretty clear when he stood there
wouldn't be many people standing against him.
"It was a good process and we are very pleased to have Robin
heading the Olympic movement in this part of the world,"
Maisters said.
He described Mitchell as one of "the workers of the
organisation".
"Robin has huge personal contacts and understands the
organistation . . . and is our highest-flying member in this
region."
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