Letter to the Editor, Thursday September 15, 2016

Is this really sport?

At a recent sporting event I was very disheartened to see the treatment of the brave sportsmen and women taking part.

The changing rooms were inadequate for both men and women, no water and no toilets, with no separation of opponents, beside a stack of folded chairs and tables.

Like true gladiators the fighters emerge from beneath the dusty, dank stage to be met by the hordes of blood-thirsty drunkards, with only one thing on their minds, to see one or the other's hard work and determination end in a short flurry of punishing punches. But then to witness a fighter being knocked down in a total mismatch, and see him shunned by the organisers without even an afterthought or handshake, is unacceptable.

To make matters worse, the preceding winning fighter was commended on his performance by one of the organisers no more than three feet away from the disheartened and dismayed warrior.

If this is how our sportspeople are to be treated then I personally do not support the cause for which the event was intended.

I applaud the fighters, always supportive and consoling to each other, and also Dr John Bradley, a true hero of his profession.

To those who took part, you are the heart of the community, for without you, these events could not take place. When you are knocked down, kia u, kia kaha, kia manawanui. I salute you.

JON MURRAY
RD4 Kaitaia