Elite athletes scheduled to run in the now-postponed International Track Meet in Christchurch have confirmed they will take part in a fundraising event in Wellington this Saturday, 26th February to raise money for the Salvation Army’s Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.
The meet, organised by Nick Willis together with the New Zealand Olympic Committee and members of the Wellington athletics community, will feature United States’ top miler Alan Webb, Britain's Lee Emanuel, sub-4 milers Will Leer and Brandon Bethke as well as Willis himself.
The event’s programme includes the men’s elite mile, men’s 800m, men’s and women’s 1500m, a schools relay and the men’s and women’s long jump as well as Nick Willis’ Olympic silver medal presentation.
New Zealand Olympic Committee secretary general Kereyn Smith hopes that the unique opportunity to see an Olympic silver medal being presented as well as watch elite athletes compete will draw the Wellington public to the event and encourage them to donate to the earthquake appeal.
“Any contribution we can make towards helping our friends and family in Christchurch is significant,” she said.
The evening’s programme begins at 5.00pm with the medal ceremony and concludes at 6.25pm with the men’s elite mile. Willis, Webb, Emanuel, Leer and Bethke will run in this final event. Webb will also compete in the men’s 800m.
The event is being organised by Nick Willis, the New Zealand Olympic Committee and members of the Wellington athletics community.
Programme:
5.00pm Nick Willlis Olympic Medal Ceremony
5.20pm Christchurch Update and Pledges
5.20pm Men's and Women's Long Jump
5.30pm Men's Elite 800m
5.40pm Men's 1500m
5.50pm School Relay 4 x 100m
6.00pm Women's 1500m
6.10pm Men's 100m 6.15pm Women's 100m
6.25pm Men's Elite Mile
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