Olympics: Edgar leaves million-dollar legacy to NZOC

New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) chairman Eion Edgar has retired, leaving the organisation a gift of $1 million.

His replacement, Olympic rower and Millennium Institute chief executive Mike Stanley, was elected at the NZOC's annual meeting in Wellington today.

Stanley, part of the 1982 world champion eight, competed at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, and has spent the past five years on the NZOC board.

Edgar said he left knowing the organisation had never been in better shape.

"This donation will create opportunities for the NZOC and enable them to take on additional projects that will make a real difference to our communities."

With limited government funding, the NZOC relied heavily on corporate and community partners to carry out its work.

Edgar's involvement with the NZOC began in 1997 as a board member, before he replaced the late John Davies as acting president in 2001. He was elected president two years later.

Edgar played a key role in the opening of the Olympic Museum Gallery in Wellington and saw the organisation strengthen its relationships with Government, sports funder Sparc, national sports organisations and the New Zealand Olympic Academy.

NZOC secretary general Barry Maister said Edgar had been "passionate" in his support for the Olympic movement and sport development in New Zealand.

"We cannot overstate the value of his leadership and the legacy he leaves."

- NZPA