Salient: Victoria University Students' Paper. Vol. 29, No. 9. 1966.
Sports view support
Sports view support
Sir,—It was encouraging to read your second editorial on sports clubs grants in Salient of July 1. The fact that sports clubs are getting a proportionately smaller share of students' association funds each year should be of concern to all those who realise the importance of the sports clubs in the life of this university.
This is especially so when an ever-increasing number of students are actively supporting their own clubs. In the days when association fees were somewhat less, many students preferred to join or remain with outside clubs. Now many can no longer afford the luxury of paying the association fee without using the facilities it is intended to provide and they are entitled to have their money spent primarily on those activities most in demand. Apart from the Union facilities, there can be no doubt that sporting facilities are used by the greatest number of students.
The success of the Sports Council organisation has perhaps made some clubs too complacent about the funds made available to them.
Through Sports Council they have been able to get grants more painlessly than previously. Clubs must not overlook the fact that as they and the university grow they should be seeking more funds for expansion of their activities to meet the increased demand.
Sports Council does not advocate that funds should be drawn off from other worthy causes. Rather it feels that too much students' money has in the past been wasted needlessly. Some of this could be better spent in improving the facilities of clubs which have, with few exceptions, spent students' money wisely and in the best interests of a large section of the student body.
Sports Council would like to ensure that the level of grants for sports clubs at least keeps up with the increasing student roll, and as more clubs are formed it is not unrealistic to suggest that the proportion should be increased. There are now 27 clubs affiliated to the association.
Sports Council is pleased to have your support in its objective. At the same time it is important to keep all students informed of the facilities available to them.
In your paper there is also comment on the treasurer's recent report. You state that the club grant system collapsed. I feel bound to point out that over the last financial year all sports club grant applications were attended to and passed with customary efficiency. The only bone of contention was the reduced proportion of funds made available. This is in sharp contrast with other aspects of the association's financial dealings.
John Stevens.
Chairman VUW Sports Council.