21 October 2021 Forum debate mate against mate

Professors Roslyn Kerr and Greg Ryan faced off, with former Black Cap and now High Performance Sport NZ South Island Regional Manager Andrew Ellis also in the fray.

The special debate was organised to help celebrate the event's first decade milestone.

The negative won, citing falling participation rates, and concerns over the wellbeing of athletes.

New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO Kereyn Smith was the keynote speaker.

She Zoomed in from lockdown in Auckland to share some of the “gamechangers” for the Committee recently, which included increased diversity and inclusion among Olympians, as well as digital storytelling which has added another dimension to how athletes are perceived.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Grant Edwards, welcomed the students, staff and industry professionals who attended, and highlighted the importance of sport and recreation to Lincoln and society.

He also discussed his own background in playing and coaching hockey, for “fun and friendship”.

Image: Professors Greg Ryan and former Black Cap Andrew Ellis work on their rebuttals.