masterstrack.com

The No. 1 site for masters track discussions

Login | Register

Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 1 post ] 

Tue Aug 11, 2009 11:55 pm

Offline
Junior Masters Athlete
Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 11:52 pm
Posts: 1

Dear Masters Runners, in the spirit of looking positively towards the future, with an eye on the greatness of the past and in particular of Dr. Peter Snell, I thought I would contact you and ask to you to raise awareness among your members.

http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/petersnell/

I have a feeling that there are many here, and elsewhere, who would wish to sign. Please let others know of this petition.

I'm not a New Zealander, actually, I'm an expat Brit resident in the US, but like many people all over the world, I admire greatly Dr. Snell and his accomplishments.

Anyway, here's the text of the petition:

------------------------------
--------
To Lord Sebastian Coe, Chair of the LOCOG, and Members of the
International Olympic Committee.

The aim of this petition is to encourage you to ask Dr. Peter Snell of
New Zealand to present the medals for the 800 and 1500 meter track
races at the 2012 Olympic Games.

Peter Snell is widely regarded as one of the greatest middle distance
runners of all time. He commands unrivalled respect not only for his
monumental track accomplishments but also for the integrity with which
he competed.

Dr. Snell's participation will enhance the value of the medal
presentations for both viewers and competitors. These moments are
precious. They should showcase the pure values of the Olympic ideal,
integrity and dignity, and respect for supreme achievement. Nothing
could be more fitting than that the champions of the future, at the
event considered to be the pinnacle of sport, are honored in this way
by one of the greatest athletes in Olympic history.

We feel that Lord Coe in particular will appreciate the uniquely
significant value of such a moment for the competitors. After all,
following his 800 meter world record run at the 1979 Bislett Games in
Oslo, Lord Coe was greeted in the cafeteria by a standing ovation from
what he described as a "treasure trove of Olympic champions and world
record holders." This is an experience few people are ever accorded.

Moreover, connecting Dr. Snell's achievements and values with a
younger audience fits the legacy aims of the 2012 Olympics. A younger
audience is now becoming increasingly aware of Peter Snell's legendary
performances via the archival footage now available. This audience
wishes to honor his singular accomplishments. It is certainly possible
that Dr. Snell will still hold the New Zealand National Record for the
800 meters on the date of the ceremonies, more than fifty years after
he set it.

But Peter Snell's significance as a role model is not limited to his
marvelous accomplishments on the track. His role in furthering his
later career through education is another inspiration to young
athletes.

Peter Snell commands enormous respect worldwide. By asking Dr. Snell
to present the medals, the IOC honors the totality of the Olympic
spirit and ideals; the race medalists; past, present and future Games
competitors and runners of all abilities; and all the attendees and
the millions of viewers.

We hope that you will consider this request favorably.
------------------------------

KB



Top Top
  Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 1 post ] 

All times are UTC - 8 hours [ DST ]


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: Google [Bot] and 30 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Moderators: Jess, trackinfo, Ken Stone, Larry Barnum, Quick Silver, runfast70


Search for:
Jump to:  
cron