Sports Park Hawke's Bay

Membership of a Sports Park supporters club, launched by sports commentator and former New Zealand cricketer Ian Smith, is approaching 2000.

"We've got 1800 members now and I expect the numbers to top 2000 within the next couple of weeks. I'm stoked by this. People will often jump on the bandwagon of something they're against, but it's harder to mobilise them for something they're for. Well we're proving that's not the case with the Sports Park," says Mr Smith.

There has been a spike in membership following legal attempts by a land protection society to have the $2 million athletics track ripped up. "People were outraged by that" says Mr Smith.

The Land Protection Society is reported to have a supporter membership of 40.

Mr Smith said Sports Park supporters had mainly been signed up by community volunteers. "Very few people decline an invitation to join the club, especially when you get the opportunity to explain what the Park will be like. The facilities are fantastic and the annual cost to an average ratepayer - about 60 cents per week - is small," he says.

Mr Smith said while it was great to have so many members, he wanted a lot more. "It's important people don't sit back. We've got another legal challenge to navigate and having thousands of supporters also helps when approaching sponsors. So those that want to join should go to www.sportspark.co.nz"

For further information contact Jock Mackintosh on 021 808303

To become a Sports park supporter, click here.