My Account
The so-called ‘obesity epidemic’ is well publicised and many reasons are highlighted as issues to solve.
Among these is the need to encourage young people to take part in sport. But what actually inspires our youth to gain a love for sport and recreation at an early age?
I have highlighted previously the importance of quality coaching, focusing on fun, and making sport accessible. The last piece of the puzzle is to provide quality professional sporting events that inspire.
We are lucky on the Hibiscus Coast as the growing population has led to more organisations providing opportunities for kids to engage in a variety of experiences, more sports are being provided and more events are being promoted.
What is important now is that these events are run well and are supported by the local community.
It is a fact that kids love participating in large event based sports. The atmosphere, energy and excitement generated by crowds of people coming together to participate in an event on the sports field is second to none. We as a nation were again captivated by the cricket, netball and rugby world cups at an elite level, how can we capture some of that excitement in our local events?
Fun exciting events that are short and have large numbers of people attending naturally appeal to youth.
Consequently there have been some events that have grown dramatically. The challenge is how do all sports organisations evolve their products so they can access this market too. The weekly sport league will continue, but what about capturing the sport event market for our youth that cannot commit to seasonal sport?
One day, or half day sports tournaments could prove to be extremely popular especially for kids that like to have a variety of things to do in the weekend. A day playing golf or cricket is just not as appealing to large numbers these days.
A couple of great events coming up include the 2016 Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon and the Harbour Sport Shore to Shore. The rapid growth and huge popularity of the North Shore TRYathlon event has meant the need for a replacement venue on the Hibsicus Coast. On April 3, we’re expecting to have 2300 participants from the region participate in the Weet-Bix kids TRYathlon at Big Manly beach and reserve. Kids can sign up as individuals, or in a team of two, with all participants receiving a race pack, T-shirt, swim cap and participation certificate and medal.
Registrations for the 2015-2016 Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon Series can be completed online at try.weetbix.co.nz or by calling 09 531 5080.
The biggest kids’ event on the North Shore is the Shore to Shore fun run and walk. This is running into its 32nd year and had more than 6000 participants last year. The event is scheduled for the end of March in 2016, with over $40,000 in sports vouchers going back to the schools that participate. Information on this event can be accessed at shoretoshore.co.nz.
This is Richard’s final Sport column for Hibiscus Matters. We thank him for all his input over the past year.
