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Equestrian Australia joins bid to bring change

March 27, 2017 by

Equestrian Australia Shows Support for Danni Roche

Calls for changes of the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) have been renewed afresh with Equestrian Australia joining in the challenge on the AOC’s John Coates. After both hockey and swimming Australia praised Danni Roche’s decision to challenge the AOC’s long-time chief, Equestrian Australia (EA) have also stepped in to show their support for Roche and the promotion of new ideas in Olympic sport.

According to Judy Fasher, chair of Equestrian Australia, the prospect of change is exciting. Speaking to the press, Fasher said that Danni Roche’s emphasis on sending more money to the athletes would benefit all sports and should be attractive to every Australian sporting institute. She went on to say that while Coasts did make a remarkable contribution to Olympic sports, especially equestrian sports in the past, other people should be given the opportunity to put their hands up and say they would like to have a crack at it.

While the statements given by Equestrian Australia are not a formal endorsement of Roche and her campaign, the comments are more than significant for anyone who supports change in the Australian Olympic Committee. Equestrian Australia and the AOC’s chief had a major falling out after the Rio Games. At the time, Coates publicly lashed out at Leigh Clifford, the former Qantas Chair and EA director.

Terms Should Be Reduced

Clifford along with cycling chief Mal Speed and swimming chief John Bertram, were all shown as examples of how sports were appointing businessmen to their boards far too often. It seems Bertram has also weighed in on the AOC’s leadership debate. Speaking to the press, Bertram said that we should not be afraid to consider any changes to leadership. He went on to say the future Olympic Committee presidents should be limited to a term of three to four years.

First to lead the charge against Coats was Hockey Australia who nominated Danni Roche for the position. Melanie Woosnam, President of Hockey Australia said that the decision wasn’t taken lightly but the time is right for sport in Australia to “recalibrate.” At this time, Australian Olympic Committee has not released any comments regarding Roche and her campaign. With six weeks left until the vote, Coates has made his intentions known that he is there to stay.

Jennie Martin

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After completing her degree, Jennie Martin began her journalism career by working as an intern on the entertainment pages. However, her passion for sport was quickly noticed, and she began covering local events.
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