Scotty Stevenson Urges Revival of Community Sports in New Zealand

Scotty Stevenson, a prominent sports commentator and writer, has voiced concerns over the declining state of community sports in New Zealand. In a recent interview with RNZ’s Summer Weekends, Stevenson reflected on his journey from a ten-year-old captivated by Keith Quinn’s commentary during the Rugby World Cup to his current role covering cricket for TVNZ. He believes that the essence of sports is losing its significance as corporate interests overshadow genuine athletic passion.

Stevenson, now 48, described the role of a sports commentator as both exhilarating and laden with responsibility. “These are people’s lives. This is their athletic career. And your voice is going to be attached to their good moments and their worst moments for eternity,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of connecting with the audience and allowing significant moments in a game to resonate without interruption.

According to Stevenson, the shift towards “corporate” sports such as rugby and cricket has distorted the true nature of competition. He mentioned that the focus has increasingly leaned towards financial gains rather than the soul of the game. The recent media frenzy surrounding an altercation involving the English cricket captain during the Ashes series illustrates this change. “Everyone had bought into the marketing exercise and forgot that at heart there’s true sport and nuance and subtlety,” he remarked.

Stevenson expressed concern about the long-term impact of treating young athletes as future corporate employees instead of nurturing their love for the sport. He believes that sports clubs should be community hubs where people of all ages can engage, socialize, and find joy in physical activity. “To watch another rugby club die, or another cricket club dying… Sport at that level is withering on the vine,” he warned. He urged national sports organizations to take responsibility in reversing this trend and fostering a more inclusive sports culture.

Despite his criticisms of corporate sports, Stevenson finds solace in trail running, a sport he describes as having a “purity” that contrasts sharply with the commercialization of rugby and cricket. He has forged a strong community through this activity, although a recent injury has slowed him down. “Halfway down, I was trying to enact a ninja role, and I suddenly remembered I’m not a ninja,” he recounted humorously, describing a fall he took while running on Central Otago’s Lake Dunstan Trail.

Reflecting on nostalgia, Stevenson shared insights into his musical influences. The first two cassettes he purchased were Tiffany’s debut album and Bryan Adams’ “Reckless.” He fondly recalled the song “Run to You,” which evokes memories of youthful crushes and first kisses. He also spoke of the significance of Grant Lee Buffalo’s “Mighty Joe Moon,” which accompanied him during a transformative year in South Africa, describing it as a “very formative” experience.

As Stevenson continues to navigate his multifaceted career in sports commentary and writing, he remains committed to advocating for the revival of community sports. With a call to action, he aims to inspire a new generation to embrace sports for their intrinsic value, rather than merely as a stepping stone to corporate success.