Monday 17 October 2005
Hyundai creates sports history with new Pinnacle mentor programme
A completely new concept in NZ sports support and sponsorship is launched today by Hyundai.
Pinnacle is a nationwide organisation which will provide mentoring and other support for some of New Zealand’s most
promising young sportspeople.
The first organisation of its kind in New Zealand, Pinnacle will work mostly in areas away from the field of
competition, preparing the athlete for peak performance.
“Over the years New Zealanders have consistently found that top performance, especially at the highest international
level, demands a range of skills outside the point of competition,” explains Olympian Barbara Kendall, a member of the
Pinnacle Advisory Board.
“So Pinnacle has set itself the specific task of helping prepare young New Zealand sportspeople to reach their goal of
becoming world champion.”
As well as providing financial support and a Hyundai vehicle, Pinnacle will mentor the athlete in key areas it calls
the Twelve Pillars, building skills proven be crucial for Kiwis seeking success at world championship level.
Each athlete will be assisted for a period of 12 to 24 months, leading up to their world title attempt. It is
anticipated four to six athletes will be in the Pinnacle programme at any one time.
Applications are open from now, for athletes from any recognised sport who have the specific aim of winning a world
title or equivalent. Athletes can collect an application form from Hyundai dealers nationwide. The website
www.pinnacleprogramme.co.nz has further details.
Creating the Pinnacle organisation is described as a logical step for Hyundai, by Philip Eustace, Managing Director of
Hyundai Automotive NZ and a member of the Pinnacle Advisory Board.
“It is consistently a privilege for us to work with senior athletes including Barbara Kendall, Hamish Carter, Nathan
Astle and Scarlett Hagen,” Mr Eustace comments.
“In Pinnacle we see the opportunity to make a further contribution to New Zealand sport by helping prepare the
international champions of the immediate future.
“Ours is a sporting country and Hyundai plays a proud role in that with our backing for a range of organisations from
the Millennium Institute to NZ Soccer, from NZ Surfing to individual clubs and groups around the country.
“And worldwide Hyundai is a big supporter of sport at the Olympics, World Football Cup and elsewhere.
“There are strong parallels between the development of Hyundai’s strong range of dynamic new vehicles, the
fastest-growing mainstream vehicle brand in the country, and the preparation of New Zealand’s finest sportspeople
performing on the world stage,” said Mr Eustace.
Hyundai Automotive NZ is wholly New Zealand owned by the Giltrap Group of companies. Colin Giltrap is well known as a
sports enthusiast and has a very keen interest in promoting NZ sport and sports people.
ENDS