Athletics NZ feels the pinch after Sparc pulls funding

The coffers at Athletics New Zealand have taken a hit with news Sparc has withdrawn its sport development funding for 2006.

Athletics NZ said in a statement that the government's sports funding agency has withdrawn a $125,000 investment because "Sparc is of the opinion that Athletics New Zealand is insufficiently aligned with its own objectives based around securing various participation targets".

Sparc has paid the investment over the past two years.

Athletics NZ chief executive Jeremy Kennerley said Sparc's decision would have "an immediate, significant financial impact".

As a result, Athletics NZ has axed a permanent position in its national office due to the funds shortfall.

"The removal of this level of funding has meant the association is now unable to employ anyone in the sport development part of the business," Kennerley said.

"Not only is this terrible for the individual involved, but it also represents a backward step for the association as it will make it increasingly more difficult for the national office to deliver outcomes for the sport, not least in the area of participation."

- NZPA