The finish to the season was not what we expected with COVID-19 resulting in the country going into lockdown with all sports including Pétanque came to a grinding halt. We were reasonably fortunate that the majority of our major WPA competitions had already been played although it was disappointing that we had to cancel the Women’s singles, doubles and triples tournaments. However, it is pleasing that the Tournament Sub-committee has been able to slot them back into our schedule for early in the 2020-21 season.
I am proud of the way WPA and our clubs reacted so quickly to the threat of COVID-19 in ceasing club play and cancelling tournaments. This was done with the health and well-being of our players in mind.
As always, we cannot run the WPA without a hard-working executive team. Firstly, I would like thank Graeme Millard for role he played as President of the WPA. Graeme and his wife Lynda moved down to the South Island last year and we wish them all the best for the future. Thanks to the executive committee for all the hard work carried out behind the scenes to maintain the running of the WPA; Michael Rocks and our minute secretary Val Clark. A special thank you to Noeline Corley who will hand over the reins of Secretary after the AGM and we all appreciate the hard work Noeline has put into the Secretary role. Thank you also to Moises Burgos who continues to do a great job in keeping the WPA website updated.
Thank you to the Tournament Sub-committee and for the hard work in running and organising the many tournaments that WPA hold over a season. A huge thanks to Graeme Morris, Claire Wilson and Michael Rocks. I would also like to pass on my appreciation to all club members who have assisted with the running of our tournaments, with special thanks to those who have assisted with the scoring at tournaments. I can't under-estimate the value and importance to the Tournament Sub-committee of the assistance they get from club members in helping to run tournaments.
Congratulations to the winners of all our tournaments during 2019-2020 season. Also, a huge thank you to all club members who participated in the regional tournaments and the support you have given to individually club run tournaments. Your continued support ensures these tournaments will be around for years to come.
Graeme Morris also holds two positions in the WPA organisation as our squad trainer & coach for The Chanticleer, Tri-Star and Haines Cup. Over the years we have seen the standard of Pétanque increase, the numbers of players vying for success at our tournaments increase which has made our tournaments extremely competitive. Graeme should be proud of what he has achieved and we all thank him for the hours he commits to training our players and travelling away with the team for inter-regional competitions. Also thank you to Tony Simpson who has ably assisted Graeme.
Congratulations to all players who played for Wellington and New Zealand over the past season. The Wellington region has provided a large number of New Zealand representatives over the last couple of years, well done to you all.
The attendance at our committee meetings has been very good over the season and I thank all club delegates for their input and debate on many different subjects we have discussed.
To all WPA members a big thanks for your time and commitment in travelling around our region to play in regional and club tournaments. I look forward to seeing all of you at WPA tournaments in the 2020-2021 season.
Kevin McFadgen
Acting President