Sports provide identity, pride and sense of community to people, a veteran cricketer and sports manager has said.
Doug Cowie, a Business Director and Mentor with more than 30 years of experience in business and sports management, said that New Zealand Indians are one of the most significant ethnic groups and that identity is an important aspect of social, community and sporting life.
“As our nation integrates, sport will also provide pathways to the highest national honours. It is vital that the Indian community is known for its professional sporting standards – both on and off the field,” he said.
Mr Cowie was the National Education Market Manager for Apple Computer and currently Director of software distribution business.
He is a licensed salesperson for Ray White Real Estate Management in Auckland and an umpire for International Cricket Council (ICC).
As well as representing provincial (Northland) in cricket, Mr Cowie has umpired more than 100 First Class matches and 100 Internationals as an ICC Umpire including 22 Tests 71 ODIs.
Quality administrators
Mr Doug said that professional sports administrators were important to promote quality sports, officials and players.
“Without them, no sport will perform well or grow to its potential. In today’s world, where time demands on our fewer volunteers, it is critical to appoint professional administrators, coaches and officials and support them with dedicated management,” he said.
According to him, the Indian Newslink Indian Sports Awards provide an opportunity to recognise and reward “something that is important to this community and to the rest of New Zealand who need to know of these achievements.”
“High performance comes from high self-esteem, resilience and self-belief. This initiative recognises and develops people who work hard and enjoy the support of others to reach the top. You do not have to go alone – learn to help yourself and to accept the support of others,” he said.
