Monday Sport Blast From The Past: Jorge Sandoval
This weeks, I am using a story I wrote about cycling promoter Jorge Sandoval in 2017. I hope you enjoy it.
Cyclist Jorge Sandoval has a story that deserves to be widely known.
Recently, he was honoured with a Lifetime Service Award by Cycling New Zealand.
In the nearly quarter of a century I have been a journalist, I have been lucky to meet many interesting people.
But one person who will always stand out is Jorge.
I first met him when he came to the Hutt News looking for publicity for the Tour of Wellington.
Over time, I got to know him well and understand his fascinating story, including his time in a Chilean concentration camp.
Initially, he did not want to talk about when he was thrown into the camp by the Pinochet regime aged 19. He was tortured and saw many fellow prisoners die.
One of the few prisoners to survive the camp, he began a remarkable journey that would ultimately lead to Lower Hutt.
He fled to Argentina and in 1976 came to New Zealand as a refugee.
His first job was working in a Petone factory where the workers treated him as if he was "dumb" because he could not speak English.
Trying to blend in, he picked up some of the words his fellow workers used, including the F...word.
Much to his embarrassment, the Chilean ambassador had to explain its meaning.
Jorge found refuge in cycling and once he joined a club, he soon flourished and was good enough to represent New Zealand.
The lack of local events to ride in eventually annoyed him so much, he set up the Tour of Wellington. It would become an international event.
Jorge lived for cycling and what he regarded as Kiwis' indifference to the sport infuriated him.
When retailers in Lower Hutt and Petone complained about streets being closed for the Tour, he was blunt in his assessment that they were small-minded and lacked vision.
As I got to know him he opened up about his time in the concentration camp.
He was never bitter and his ability to move on was commendable.
Jorge deserves his recent recognition but at a time when some people oppose New Zealand taking refugees, he serves as a reminder as to why we should be generous as a country.
Forty-one years after starting work in a Petone factory, Jorge is a highly successful promoter. He has helped family members settle here, runs his own business and has organised more than 30 international cycling tours.
That is pretty good for a bloke who arrived in our country with nothing but a good attitude.
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
-
59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
-
25.3% No, individuals should take responsibility
-
15.4% ... It is complicated
Lost dogs
I'm so sick of seeing stray dogs no collars,under fed, just like the one I saw running past me while I was waiting for the bus, poor fella Before u get a dog, do your research owning a dog is a big responsibility
They depend on us
Is your house fenced
Does your landlord know u have a pet? Don't forget vet bills
And a comfortable place to sleep hopefully inside..
Don't forget good nutritious food,and daily walks,just remember check foot path on hot days by placing your hand or bare foot on it to see if too hot for your doggies paws, best early in the morning or late in afternoon when temperature is cooler..OK im not saying I'm the best owner my girl was left home alone while I was at work even though I took her for long walks in the morning..sensitive subject If u have to put your precious fur baby to rest because of horrible uncurable
Illness have the vet come to your home don't do it at a vet clinic that is the place stresses them out..
My girl had cancer
And the vet wanted to put to sleep in the clinic he made up every excuse, but I rang around and found wonderful vet in waterloo, they were so kind and we agreed on a day..
Cost $370..
My girl was not stressed at all she was chilled out on her couch watching TV, she was clueless
She thought vet were there to visit Lol it was quick my girl fell asleep went back to Our creator in heaven
So guys please do your research before u get a dog😁
Loading…
