Saturday 26 February Newtown Park, Wellington

The New Zealand Olympic Committee expresses its deepest sympathy for those affected by the Christchurch earthquake and, in particular, the Olympic and Commonwealth Games athletes and their families from the Canterbury region.

Following the indefinite postponement of the International Track Meet (ITM) in Wellington, the New Zealand Olympic Committee and Beijing 1500m medalist Nick Willis can confirm plans are underway to stage a fundraising track meet in Wellington to provide assistance to the people of Christchurch.

The fundraising event will feature a number of top international athletes from the ITM and will take place at Newtown Park on Saturday (26 February). The meet is being organized by Willis in conjunction with members of the Wellington Olympic and athletics communities.

The New Zealand Olympic Committee will present Willis with his Olympic Silver medal at the fundraising meet. This presentation was originally planned to take place at the Christchurch ITM.

Members of the Wellington public are encouraged to attend this unique event and make donations to those affected by the earthquake via the Salvation Army's earthquake appeal.

It is expected the medal presentation will take place at approximately 1700 hours followed by the elite races from 1720 - 1830h. This timing, the programme and start lists are yet to be confirmed.

Additional details will be forthcoming within the next 24 hours.

The Salvation Army's earthquake fund details can be found at http://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/giving-back/donate-online/disaster-appeals/canterbury-earthquake-appeal/