Hi,

"To the next level", a phrase that comes to mind as we focus on the new year ahead. Throughout 2008 we have been challenged on several fronts to 'get out of the boat and walk on water'. This implies the need to look ahead, keep focused and take the necessary steps and often risks to further develop the mission Ignite Sport. I am reminded of the quote "Ships are safest when in port, but that's not what ships were made for."

In 2008 we have created a great platform from which to move out and develop the work further. We have moved location and have a great office base that will serve our work well. Over this past year you will have read about the various projects we have completed. We feel we have made a difference and will continue to look forward and create further opportunities to use the 'power of sport' to encourage, support, challenge and change lives and offer direction.

These thoughts are best summed up by year 10 student who participated in our recent 'Ontrack' Sports Academy - "Never, never, never, never, never, never, never give up! ...... I can do anything if I make a goal and reach for it".

Thank you for your interest in our work over this past year. Have a great Christmas and all the best for 2009.

Kevin Goldsbury (Ignite Sport Coordinator)

JOIN THE IGNITE SPORT TEAM FOR THE 2009 TOTARA SPRINGS 'ELITE' SPORTS CAMP

Spaces are still available: Interested in joining the Ignite Sport Team on our inaugural adventure to Totara Springs, Matamata, for the third largest sporting event in the world just behind the Olympics and Commonwealth Games ………!

This is an annual event held on January 23-26 (Auckland anniversary w/e). The Ignite Sport Team needs sports mad people with a dash of talent and lots of enthusiasm and passion. You will also be part of history - we will be the very first Wellington-based team to enter the Elite Sports Camp.

This is a weekend of 'non-stop sports action'. If you love sport and you're pretty good at it, then this weekend is for you. Our team will aim to be a highly competitive group of guys & girls ready to take on the world. There will be approximately 40 of us kicking, passing, eating and cheering our way to the title of 'Champions'. A variety of sports will be played incl. 7's rugby, touch, hockey, soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball, tennis, table tennis, athletics, golf and too many other sports to mention here. All in all it will be an incredible experience - one you will not forget or want to miss!

Positions on this team are open to anyone who loves sport and can play three or four different sports to a reasonable standard. For further information or if you are interested in joining the Ignite Sport team please contact Craig McDougall Ph 976 2224 or Kevin Goldsbury 9202204 ( ).

'ONTRACK' SPORTS ACADEMY 2008

Fifty selected year 10 students have just completed the 'Ontrack' Sports Academy. The three day programme facilitated by Ignite Sport was developed in 2007 as part of Hutt Valley High School's gifted and talented initiative, to help PE staff support students to maximize their full potential in sport, education and life.

The 2008 programme included presentations from Olympic heptathlete Rebecca Wardell, Para-Olympian silver medalist, Kate Horan and Naenae's Billy Graham. Practical workshops included career opportunities in sport and fitness testing with Weltec staff, sports specific coaching, sessions at Lifestyle health and fitness centre and an indoor sports tournament. Interactive learning sessions were facilitated by Ignite staff designed to develop character and life skills, teach goal setting and identify barriers to performance.

All students received their own detailed workbooks and each graduated with a certificate recognizing their efforts and achievements.

If you would like to find out more about the Ontrack Academy programme and/or opportunities to implement it in your school, please contact Kevin Goldsbury Ph 9202204 or email .

SCHOOLS & CLUBS >>>

REMEMBER THE HVHS FIRST XI CRICKET TEAM THAT TOURED FIJI?

After returning from Fiji they continued their season in the College Sport Premier 1 competition and finished an impressive second on the table. The team has performed and carried itself well since Fiji with a number of players excelling both with the bat and ball. The team finished the 2008 season with 11 wins, 4 draws and 4 losses. Congratulations also to three players who have also been selected to play in the Wgtn u17 squad.

HVHS CRICKET TOUR FIJI 08 REPORT >>>

SPORTS CHAPLAINCY

Seven Ignite Sport volunteers recently completed stage one of a sports chaplaincy course run by Cam Butler from SCA (Sports Chaplaincy Australia). A large proportion of high performance sports in Australia have sports chaplains, including Test and Shield Cricket, Motor Racing, Tennis, Rugby League, Australian Rules, Basketball, Football, Golf and Netball. Today, sports organizations recognize that sports people like everyone else are human. The condition of other areas of an athlete's life including unplanned circumstances can and do effect their performance, both on and off the field and in the public arena. With the growing demands on sports teams and players, Sports Chaplaincy provides a great way to serve and support and make a positive impact!

If you are interested in finding out more about sports chaplaincy and training, please contact the Ignite Sport Office Ph 9202204 or email .

BECOME AN IGNITE SPORT VOLUNTEER

Ignite Sport is a volunteer-based organization. We totally rely on committed people wanting to make a difference in their community. Here are some ways you could be involved:

Coaching or Managing a local school or club sports team.
Assisting with Ignite Sport community events such as 'Ontrack', 'Ignition', Quiz Nights etc.
Offering your expertise at one of our sports academy programmes.
Mentoring and supporting a young athlete or sports person.
Providing administrative assistance at the Ignite Sport Office.
Make a donation or provide business sponsorship towards the ongoing work of Ignite Sport Trust in your community.

VOLUNTEER >>>

IGNITE SPORT TRUST

Ignite Sport Trust as a Charitable Trust with a vision to positively influence New Zealand sports culture and provide opportunity for all people to realize and reach the God-given potential in both sport and life. If you would like to know more about the work of Ignite Sport please visit our website or phone the Ignite Sport Office (04) 9202204, Charities Commission Registration Number: CC20406

IGNITE SPORT WEBSITE >>>
DONATIONS AND SPONSORSHIP >>>

IGNITE SPORT IS PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY: