22 July -- New Zealand's 'Sports Champion of the 20th Century' Peter Snell will be at Cooks Gardens on Saturday, 15 August 2009, the venue for his world mile record in 1962.

Accompanied by his wife Miki, Peter is visiting New Zealand from his home in Texas. He will be in Wanganui to unveil a statue created to commemorate his athletic achievements. The statue will be sited on a concrete plinth close to the grandstand in Cooks Gardens, overlooking the finishing line where Snell broke the world mile record.

The life size bronze statue has been created by Chris Elliot from Hawkes Bay and Ross Wilson from Marton. The statue has been modelled from a photo of Snell crossing the finish line in the historic 1962 race.

People who have had the opportunity to view the statue before it has been placed have been amazed at the detail and accuracy of the depiction. Creators Chris Elliot and Ross Wilson are thrilled with the completed statue and are proud to be associated with it.

Entertainment at Cooks Gardens on August 15 begins at 1pm with children's athletics races, organised by Athletics Wanganui, children's ripper rugby organised by Wanganui Rugby union and soccer organised by Central Football. There will be a display by the Wanganui Boys and Girls Gym Club.

Brass Wanganui will begin the formal proceedings at 2.20pm, which include a karakia, speeches and the statue unveiling will take place at 3.00pm by Peter Snell.

"Peter Snell is a legend in our country and this statue will act as a great reminder and inspiration for the hundreds of children and adults who use, and compete at, Cooks Gardens" says Cr Ray Stevens, Chair of Community Development Committee. "Snell's former world records for 800m in February 1962 and 1000m set in November 1964 are still New Zealand national records for these distances. I am proud that Wanganui is part of his historic and celebrated athletics career and it's fantastic he is coming back to unveil this statue".

The unveiling will be followed by a private afternoon tea hosted by Mayor Michael in the Peter Snell lounge at Cooks Gardens. Invited guests include local MP's, councillors and athletes Sir John Walker and Sir Murray Halberg. The Peter Snell lounge will also be the venue for a celebration dinner in the evening, where Snell will be presented with an exclusively designed Olympic pin featuring the rings and fern and the Olympian's unique number from the NZOC Secretary General, Barry Maister.

Funding for the statue has been raised by donations from the Wanganui community with major contributions being received from Powerco Wanganui Trust, William McAlpine Duncan Trust, Wanganui District Council, Athletics Wanganui, Robert Bartley (Ali Arc Industries), Stoneman Financial Services, Wanganui Toyota, Wells and Wadsworth and Emmetts Civil Construction Ltd.