She pours countless hours into her roles as Athletics New Zealand development manager for the South, and the national para lead, and spending her time coaching, volunteering and helping foster the next generation of talent throughout
The Dunedin coaches long-standing contributions were recognised recently when Bates was given an Oceania Athletics merit award at the Oceania Championships in Darwin.
Bates said she was extremely honoured.
‘‘As a dedicated supporter of athletics in the Oceania region, it is a true privilege and honour to receive this award,’’ Bates said.
There is little Bates has not done for athletics in the past 30 years.
She spends her life at the Caledonian fostering Otago’s up-and-coming throwers and athletes and has been central to Athletics New Zealand’s high performance systems.
Notably she coached Holly Robinson to Paralympic gold and several world championship medals, and contributed to governance and national development.
The award citation called Bates a key leader in Oceania, supporting development initiatives, championships and educating coaches and strengthened athletics systems in developing countries.
She has held senior roles at the Olympics, Paralympics, Commonwealth Games and world championships and was the New Zealand team’s chef de mission at the Paris Paralympics.
She has been a long standing team leader and head coach at world para championships and contributed to global system development through roles with World Para Athletics, influencing coaching standards, classification understanding, and performance environments.
‘‘Overall, Raylene Bates is recognised as a highly influential leader, with impact spanning grassroots to elite sport, and a strong reputation for inclusive, athlete-centred leadership and excellence in coaching and development.’’
