My arena : the life and legacy of Bruce Ullrich / Bruce Ullrich ; foreword by Lorraine Moller.

Introduction -- The very early years in New Plymouth, 1938-1945 -- Post WWII and a move back to Christchurch, 19461951 -- My years at Christchurch Boys' High School, 1952-1956 -- University of Canterbury and working in an accountancy firm, 1957-1962 -- Students' Association and student politics -- University and professional life, 1963-1970 -- Planning for a Games bid and a battle against the odd! 1968-1970 -- Journey back to New Zealand -- Getting down to the nitty gritty of preparation -- New pastures and Munich 1972, 1971-1974 -- Challenging years -- Countdown to the Games -- Post-games and an encounter with Sir Edmund Hillary, the conqueror of Everest, 1874-1975 -- From Montreal to Edminton, 1978 -- Ways and days at the New Zealand Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association, 1979-1981 -- Brisbane and beyond, 1982 -- Los Angeles, 1984 and Australia here we come ... -- The Second Edinburgh Commonwealth Games, 1986 -- The future of the Commonwealth Games -- to sink or swim? -- Towards Seoul, 1988 -- Seoul -- here comes the Kiwis! -- Auckland Games 1990 and averting a possible coup -- The Massey Roadshow -- A winter Olympics for New Zealand -- A publishing venture -- Cross slot arrives -- The Winter Olympic bid reaches a crescendo -- Wrestling h the IRD -- Leadership from behind -- The celestial kingdom beckons -- Touring the celestial empire -- China -- Universities and diabetes clinics -- Troubles in Christchurch: the big quakes -- Christchurch recovers: a new vision, reflections and the last alumni -- The spirit of cricket -- fairplay or foul? -- Where to from here? -- Appendix: List of Bruce Ullrich's achievements.

"In 2023, to mark its 150th anniversary year, the University of Canterbury showcased 150 of its outstanding graduates. Bruce Ullrich was named as one amongst its Legends of Sport" and was described as a "fierce champion of New Zealand's interest in business and sport". My Arena is Bruce's autobiography. It navigates a life story spanning over eight decades, vividly describing Bruce's 'fierce champion' moments. Bruce Ullrich is best known for his roles in sports leadership. He was vice-chairman of the organising committee of the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, and he went on to be chef de mission for three of New Zealand's Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games teams. He was an enthusiastic advocate for hosting the Winter Olympics in New Zealand. But there is a business story as well. Bruce was admitted to partnership in an accounting firm on the day he qualified as an accountant. He later moved to governance roles and consultancy, using his expertise to foster trade and investment relationships between New Zealand and other countries - especially China. Bruce was awarded an Order of the British Empire for services to New Zealand. Throughout his life journey Bruce has remained a loyal old boy of his beloved Christchurch Boys' High School, a faithful Cantabrian, and highly patriotic New Zealander."--Publisher's description.