Sports legends feature in stained glass window: Snell statue unveiling tomorrow - 14/08/2009Mayor Michael Laws today said the latest stained glass window for the Council Chamber commemorates the achievements of two of New Zealand's sporting legends, Sir Peter Snell and Billy Webb.
"These are two of our country's leading sportspeople of yesteryear - they both have close connections with Wanganui and their feats are still at the forefront of sporting achievement today," Mayor Laws said.
"The window celebrates Sir Peter's world mile record at Cooks Gardens in 1962 and 1907 world sculling champion Billy Webb in action on the Whanganui River. Their achievements put Wanganui on the world sporting stage."
The stained glass window was made by leading glass artist Greg Hall. The concept illustration and detail painting was done by noted Wanganui artist Julie Greig.
"This Saturday marks a special occasion for Wanganui when Sir Peter will unveil a life-size bronze statue of himself at Cooks Gardens, recognising his great achievement on the athletics track there in 1962," Mayor Laws said.
"In the evening, I will host a celebration dinner in the Council Chamber where Sir Peter will also see the stained glass window for the first time.
"This is an opportunity for everyone in Wanganui to remember one of the great moments in our sporting history – let's all be at Cooks Gardens on Saturday afternoon to celebrate this fantastic occasion."
Celebrations at Cooks Gardens on Saturday begin with children's sporting activities from 1pm, an all comers mile run at 2pm and the official proceedings beginning at 2.20pm, with the unveiling at 3pm. Entry to Cooks Gardens is free.
View photograph of Mayor Laws with the Snell & Webb window | 
