Wider sports community mourns loss of Sir Wilson Whineray
Sport New Zealand has joined the rugby community and the rest of the country in mourning the passing today of Sir Wilson
Whineray.
“We have lost one of New Zealand’s sporting and business legends, and on behalf of the wider sports community we extend
our deepest sympathies to Lady Elisabeth and the rest of the Whineray family”, said Peter Miskimmin, Chief Executive of
Sport NZ
“Sir Wilson embodied all of those virtues that we try to teach our children today, such as passion, determination and
loyalty – whether it was on the sporting field or life in general. He strove for excellence, in himself and others, and
showed leadership through service in sports, business and the community.”
“Sir Wilson will also be remembered for his outstanding contribution to the wider sporting community as Chairman of the
Hillary Commission, a predecessor to Sport NZ, between 1993 and 1998. He understood the importance and value of sport to
New Zealanders and New Zealand, and in his many leadership roles he worked to ensure that all kiwis could enjoy the
benefits of sport and recreation.”
Sir Wilson was named New Zealand Sportsman of the Year in 1965.
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