Tooman committed to improving Hamilton sport
Former traffic cop, turned West Ward candidate Leo Tooman is keen to see Hamilton take better control of its sports parks.
After 48 years serving in the New Zealand police Leo Tooman has a fair idea about what it takes to foster a safe and positive community.
The recently retired Waikato road policing manager is a West Ward candidate who is keen to bring the idea of community back into neighbourhoods if he is elected.
A big part of that includes sports and recreational activities, which Leo says are beneficial, particularly to the development of youths in the city.
“You always find a kid who is involved in sports right from day one grows up with a better attitude I think,” Tooman said.
“Get them off their bums and away from television and computer screens.
“I think what happens with sports is that it’s a damn good leveler and the mums and dads will talk to each other.”
While many will argue that the city, which has 63 sports areas, provides plenty of resources to foster the growth of sport and leisure activities, it is often the organisational aspect which disappoints.
With new sports, such as American football, constantly being introduced to Hamilton, there is an ever-growing demand for fields and recreational buildings.
“There seems to be quite a few sports grounds around. Probably what we really need to do is a bit of co-ordination, so that the council would have a diary system.”
Tooman has a direct involvement with the issue of sports fields in Hamilton through his grandson who plays rugby, while the 67-year-old is a former 1st XV rugby coach.
