News
Leading Canberra businessman appointed to Olympic Council
2 September 2003Mr Rolfe’s appointment was announced today by the President of ACTOC, Steve Doszpot, who said Mr Rolfe would take on the role of Events Director.
““Richard is as well known in sporting circles as he is in business,” Mr Doszpot said. “His energy and enthusiasm for all things Olympic is a welcome addition to our committed team and to our fundraising committee. He also brings with him a large contact list!”
Mr Rolfe is the second leading businessman to join ACTOC. The Council announced late last year that Mr Lloyd Whish-Wilson, General Manager of the Federal Capital Press of Australia Pty Ltd (Canberra Times), had been appointed chair of its Olympic Fund Raising Committee, which aiming to raise $150,000 for the Athens 2004 team.
"The Olympic team no longer receives direct funding from the Federal government," Mr Doszpot said. "The emphasis is therefore on appealing for direct sponsorship and fundraising. Australia having won 58 medals in Sydney and come fourth on the medal table, we naturally want to maintain the momentum, so a fundraising campaign has real priority."
Richard Rolfe is a lifelong Canberran. He was born at Royal Canberra Hospital, then attended local schools and the Australian National University, from which he graduated with an economics degree. He has spent the last 20 years in the motor industry. He is also, however, a keen supporter of basketball and rugby union at all levels, from junior to international.
Richard also works tirelessly for a number of charitable organisations. He is, with America’s Cup hero John Bertrand, on the advisory board of the Alannah and Madeline (Mikac) Foundation. He has also been heavily involved with raising funds for the Australian Paralympics team and in particular such achievers as skier Michael Milton, swimmer Siobhan Paton and yachtsman Peter Thompson.