Hi,

During 2009 many people will tighten their belts and live slightly more constrained lives as we face the uncertainty that this current recession brings. However, we do know that regardless of the many circumstances that life throws up, life still needs to be lived and 'lived to the full'. At times like this we either decide to 'retreat' or we decide to 'proceed', sometimes against the odds. For Ignite Sport, 2009 will bring both new challenges and opportunities as we attempt to move positively forward and make a difference in our community. During this coming year we look forward to seeing our current projects grow and a number of new initiatives develop. One being the development of our new 'Ignite Sport Institute' and the ongoing development of a network of 'sports volunteers' keen to make a difference in our city.

Your thoughts, ideas and suggestions about sport, life, and faith are also important to us. Please feel free at anytime to drop into our office or ring me personally.

Kevin Goldsbury (Ignite Sport Coordinator)

JOIN 'TEAM IGNITE SPORT' AT THE 2009 'MASTERS' SPORTS CAMP (May 22-24)

Spaces are still available: If you are 35 years (+), have a passion for sport, a dash of talent and think you still have what it takes, then consider joining us at this year's 'Masters Sports Camp' in Matamata. This will be Ignites second year competing at this tournament and will be the only Wellington-based team participating.

This is a weekend of 'non-stop sports action'. Our team (AKA 'Once were athletes') will aim to be a highly competitive group of 30 men and women kicking, passing, eating, and cheering our way to the title of 'Champions'. A variety of sports will be played over the weekend incl. 7's rugby, touch, hockey, soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball, tennis, table tennis, cross country, golf and too many other sports to mention here.

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 'Team Ignite Sport' please contact Kevin Goldsbury Ph 9202204 OR Email .

WELLINGTON CRICKET ASSIST FIJI CRICKET

One of the positive spin offs from Ignite Sport/HVHS's Cricket Tour of Fiji in 2008 was the recent decision by Wellington Cricket to donate several boxes of pre-used State Wellington Firebirds and State Wellington Blaze playing gear to their cricketing counterparts in Fiji.

Cricket Wellington Operations Manager Bryan Dickinson says that the gear is all playing uniforms from several seasons ago and has been in storage in the Museum Stand at the Allied Nationwide Finance Basin Reserve. "With Canterbury coming on board as the New Zealand Cricket apparel sponsor, we found ourselves in the position of having these surplus uniforms and we thought to donate it," says Dickinson.

"Hutt Valley High School visited Fiji on a cricket tour in October, and through their suggestions we thought they would make excellent recipients."

Naturally Fijian Cricket welcomes the new gear due to arrive in the New Year, although General Manager of Cricket Fiji Martin Shaw indicated that some of the bulkier gear may not get worn too often given Fiji's climate.

WOMEN'S 'START ME UP' CHALLENGE ATTRACTS FIRST TIMERS

146 women walked, ran and cycled their way from start to finish in what for most was their first ever event of this kind. All participants successfully completed the challenge which was staged along the Scenic Petone Foreshore and Hutt River Trail. This 'entry level' event is run by Petone Youth and Family Trust in partnership with Ignite Sport.

Apart from the satisfaction of completing the challenge most the participants also received some magnificent prizes including two SUB bikes donated by Avanti, four Lifestyle Gym memberships, and local restaurant vouchers.

Start Me Up has fast become a 'known' annual event with its focus being on participation rather than competition. We look forward to even more participants in March 2010.

TEAM IGNITE SPORT BRINGS HOME THE SILVERWARE

A team of 20 athletes represented Ignite Sport at this year's 'Elite' Sports Camp. The camp, held over Auckland Anniversary weekend at Totara Springs, brought together young athletes from all over the North Island for a weekend of fellowship and highly competitive non-stop sports action. 'Team Ignite Sport' featured in six finals, winning five of them, and finished a credible 7th out of 13 teams.

Ignite Sport also sends teams to the Masters Camp (May) and for the very first time plans to send a youth team to the 'Youth' sports camp in December.

SPORTS EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR A SCHOOL IN UGANDA

The Springs of Hope High School, a Global Volunteer Network (GVN) Foundation sponsored school located in a village outside of Kampala, Uganda, is a boarding school for 32 disadvantaged children. Many of these children are HIV/AIDS orphans and live at the school. The school endeavors to provide these children with an education, so they may become valuable additions to Ugandan society. For many of these children the school is their only home.

Due to funding restrictions the school does not have funds to purchase sporting equipment for the children. Therefore, the children have nothing to do outside of school hours. GVN Foundation with the assistance of Ignite Sport is currently looking for sporting equipment and games for these 32 very deserving children.

We are specifically looking for donations of footballs, netballs, basketballs, rugby balls, volley balls, badminton kits, Board Games (chess, monopoly, draughts, scrabble etc.), football jersey's, socks, and shoes.

If you would like to donate any of these items please contact either:

Courtney Montague or Libby Wann (GVNF): Phone: 920-1450 OR Kevin Goldsbury (Ignite Sport) Ph 9202204

HERE IS AN EASY WAY TO SUPPORT THE WORK OF IGNITE SPORT

Purchase your 2009/10 Entertainment Book from Ignite Sport Trust for $55 and Ignite Sport receives $11. Entertainment books feature the best in dining, accommodation, theatres, sports and much more... all with 25% to 50% off or two-for-one offers. Purchase your book today and at the same time, you will be supporting our fundraising efforts. Pre-order your book before March 26th and you will receive over $150 of bonus offers.

To purchase your book contact:
Lower Hutt: Kevin Ph 9202204; kevin@ignitesport.org.nz
Upper Hutt: Vicki Ph 9702224; vicki@ignitesport.org.nz

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.

VOLUNTEERS >>>

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: