Welcome to 2008 and our first E-Newslink for the year.
I have almost got to the point where I dread turning on the TV news or glancing at the front page of a newspaper. We live in a time when we are alerted daily to negative and destructive behavior, bullying and rage, drug and alcohol use and abuse. I guess band aids work for a time but often only cover up festering sores and deeper issues. After a while you grow tired of putting band aids on and you try and develop new ways of working that effectively engage youth, give a new sense of hope and meaning to their lives and change their future. Running our first 'On Track' sports academy at Hutt Valley High School, reminded me again of the 'power' that sport has to inspire, motivate and change young people. In a school that has received relatively bad press of late, here is a positive good news story. One senior teacher from the PE Dept commented on our academy programme. "I was impressed with their (Ignite Sport volunteers) ability not only to challenge the students physically, but also to naturally weave in the importance of the whole person, thus opening up many of the character issues that are so critical to students in this day and age. Our students loved it and learnt plenty about themselves and how to achieve their goals. I am convinced of the place of Ignite Sport and similar organisations in helping to rectify many issues facing young people today"
We look forward to running the 'OnTrack' academy in other schools in 2008 as well as trialing other initiatives to engage young people. Encouraging participation in sport and recreation is part of the answer. Developing character and heart, and providing tools assisting young people to make good choices and right decisions in life is essential. Ignite Sport is committed to making a difference. Thank you for your interest and support. By working together everyone achieves more which is why partnerships are of critical importance to us. They make our work possible and play a crucial role in helping transform not only the lives of young people but also their community and school.
Please feel free to forward this E-Newslink on to others you think maybe be interested in connecting with us.
Kevin Goldsbury (Ignite Sport Coordinator)
START ME UP
WOMEN'S RUN, CYCLE OR WALK CHALLENGE
PETONE, SUNDAY 2 MARCH 2008
Ignite Sport is assisting with this 'entry level' women's event which aims to get beginners 'started' by experiencing a moderate-distance walk, run or cycle, while enjoying our local outdoor trails. This is an untimed challenge with the emphasis on participation and fun rather than competition. The start and finish is at Hikoikoi Reserve, Petone. A seascape walk or run along Petone foreshore and return, or a recreational ride along the Hutt River Trail to ether the Kennedy Good Bridge or Stokes valley and return.
SPOT PRIZES include a Sarah Ulmer SUB bike, gym memberships, grocery vouchers, bike gear plus many other great prizes. Entrants must have a challenge number to be eligible for a spot prize.
Participants MUST register prior to the challenge and entries are limited to 150. Enquiries or for a Registration Form contact Andrea Bolton Ph: 9713152 or e-mail: , or contact Ignite Sport Ph 9202204.
Volunteers Needed: You may not be able to enter but you may be able to assist with this event as a 'marshal'. If so, your help will be greatly appreciated. Contact Kevin Goldsbury at Ignite Sport Ph 9202204.
HVHS ONTRACK SPORTS ACADEMY
We are pleased to report the success of our first ever Ontrack Academy. Fifty Year 10 students from Hutt Valley High School participated in this three day 'in school' programme, aimed to engage, inspire and motivate young people to go to the 'next level'. The programme was designed to support HVHS staff in identifying and supporting selected students who have shown talent or promise and help them realize and maximize their potential in sport, education and life.
Students experienced a wide range of sport and exercise activities including a training session with a number of the Phoenix Soccer team, a gym session at Lifestyle Gym, fitness testing with NZIS (NZ Institute of Sport), sports specific coaching, discussion sessions on 'balance' and developing a personal 'life' game plan. The hard work was balanced with a fun Indoor Sports Tournament and an unforgettable bus trip to watch a Friday night Phoenix game.
We are in the process of developing a eight week followup programme, enabling us to continue our work with these young people.
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A special thanks to Lifestyle Gym, NZ Institute of Sport, and the Phoenix Soccer team for their input and sponsorship.
RAISING FUNDS FOR THE IGNITE SPORT TRUST
REDUCE - REUSE - RECYCLE
Ignite Sport has a charity fundraising account with Trade Me. As a charity Trade Me will generously donate half their commission on anything we sell back to Ignite Sport. If you have any used items or goods in relatively new and in good working condition, we would love to pass them on for someone else to use and at the same time, you will help raise money for the ongoing work of Ignite Sport Trust. We would be grateful for any items you can give us to sell, especially newish books/cd's, sports equipment etc.
Please contact Kevin Goldsbury if you have any goods to donate; Ph 9202204 (wk), (0276) 2112229 or email .
Thank you to those who have donated goods to date - Last month we generated enough income to pay the office phone bill.
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 'Ignition' and our annual sports Quiz fundraiser.
- 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.
IGNITE SPORT TRUST SPONSORS
We are proud to be supported by the following businesses. Their committed and continued support enables Ignite Sport to do its work and make a difference in the community.
DONATIONS AND SPONSORSHIP >>>
BANKS SHOES >>>
BALLENTYNES >>>
LIFESTYLE >>>
FINE SIGNS >>>
IGNITE SPORT TRUST
Ignite Sport Trust is 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