to view the 2010 Annual Report - Triathlon New Zealand

newly inducted
life members
Terry Sheldrake
New Zealand appears to be unique
in the sporting world in producing
individuals who through a lifetime of
involvement have done most things
in a sport.
Maybe that is the reality of a small
country with limited resources where
generalists rather than specialists
must prevail – a need to be hands on to create and build a
viable strong sports environment.
Such has been the life to date of Terry Sheldrake – a life of
deep passion for and commitment to our sport.
From an active lifestyle and broad sports background
in Gisborne and surrounding district Terry founded the
Gisborne Triathlon Club in the early 1980’s.
He initiated local events, building experience as an event
manager within Triathlon as an emerging national sport.
Of note was the First Light Triathlon Series commenced in
1994 building to the Millennium event of 2000.
In parallel Terry was a key member of the group which
evolved into the Technical Commission from where
standardisation of race rules and conditions originated.
In 1994 the Gisborne Club hosted the Canadian World
Championship Team and Terry attended the event in
Wellington with Kathy.
He carefully watched proceedings and commented that
he would like to become involved with Tri NZ to assist the
further development of the sport. And he did so!
These are the key strands of Terry’s contribution to
Triathlon: locally, nationally and internationally.
In event promotion and management Terry has as Race
Director conducted at the last count over 250 triathlon
events including: NZ Weet-Bix Series, ITU World Cup
Triathlon New Plymouth and ITU World Triathlon
Championships in Queenstown, National Triathlon Series,
Oceania Regional Championships and the Fiji Kids Event.
And in addition, he has attended probably just as many
other events as a mentor, or just a passionate Triathlon
supporter. This has included every World Champs since
1994, all 3 Olympics and both Commonwealth Games
where Triathlon has been on the programme.
In the technical realm Terry has achieved the highest
rating as an International Triathlon Union Level 5 Technical
Official and his competency has been recognised with
appointments as Melbourne Commonwealth Games
Triathlon Referee, a Beijing Olympics Triathlon Official
and an ITU World Cup Referee. He continues to serve as a
member of the Triathlon NZ Technical Advisory Group.
In leadership roles Terry has made a significant contribution
to our sport. He was President and effectively CEO of
Triathlon New Zealand 1996-2000 (actively leading the
sport when the national office was based in Gisborne);
the International Triathlon Union (ITU) Oceania Regional
Representative for a number of years and now sits on the
ITU Executive Board.
In addition Terry spent 15 years as CEO of Sport Gisborne
(Regional Sports Trust) and served as a YMCA Gisborne
Executive Board member along with the promotion of
many other opportunities for active recreation.
This is but a brief summary of the contribution to our sport
of Terry Sheldrake, a contribution which is ongoing at an
undiminished level of intensity.
Ably assisted by his wife Kathy and alongside the
participation of his sons Stephen, Brent and Aaron. Terry is
one of those individuals who epitomises the success of a
hands on approach to building a great sports environment.
Terry richly deserves to be awarded Life Membership of
Triathlon New Zealand.
Peter Fitzsimmons OBE
Patron and Life Member
Triathlon New Zealand
Other Current Life Members
Bruce Chambers
Tom Pryde
Peter Fitzsimmons
Tributes and Milestones