50,000+ activations for 2,500 tamariki set to run, jump, throw, skip and a whole lot more over four weeks of physical activity.
 

The Selwyn Sports Trust has officially launched the 2023 Activation Spectacular with more than 2,500 tamariki attending two sessions this week at the Selwyn Sports Centre and Selwyn Aquatic Centre.

“We’ve completely reimagined term two winter sport this year and put all activities under the roof at both the Selwyn Sports Centre and Aquatics Centre. Both are such great facilities, it’s awesome seeing our young people experience what Selwyn has to offer and link with Sport Leads from around Canterbury” Commented Jacinda Valentine, Selwyn Sports Trust Community Activity and Events Manager.

In 2022, poor weather caused major disruption to the winter sports with over half the days being cancelled across the event. The Selwyn Sports Trust made the decision to deliver the equivalent programme under the roof over a four-week period, split into two days a week to ensure all year 5, 6, 7 & 8 pupils from 12 invested kura wouldn’t miss out due to the weather.

“We’ve had amazing support from the Selwyn District Council, and a number of sport and non-traditional sport providers, to be able to put the Spectacular together. Knowing that we can lock in all times and rotations without the risk of cancellation makes planning so much easier and our tamariki don’t miss out” added Valentine.

There are 20 sports and physical activities on rotation over the two venues, which will give all tamariki the chance to try something they haven’t done before.  There are traditional sports that feature like Golf, Cricket, Volleyball, Hockey, Badminton and Water Polo plus other more unique offerings such as Hungerball (modified football) and Elastics.

“From Artistic Gymnastics to Ultimate Frisbee, from Life Guarding to Ki-o-Rahi, we have made a real effort to include as many sports and physical activities as possible to allow our young people a real chance to try something new and have some fun!

We have added a Parasports rotation this year that includes Wheelchair Basketball, Seated Volleyball, Boccia and Blind Sports.  The Selwyn Sports Trust has partnered with Halberg Foundation, Parafed Canterbury and Basketball NZ who are supporting NZ Institute of Sport students to deliver the Parasport rotation. 

“It truly is a collaborative partnership between all organisations and it’s so important to ensure we are delivering for our wider community” Valentine said.

The Activation Spectacular runs for four weeks starting on Wednesday 31 May and finishing on Friday 23 June.  There are 12 Primary Kura attending over the four weeks, with over 50,000 activations the tamariki will be rotating through with the 20 sports or activities over the time.

The Selwyn Sports Trust would like to acknowledge all participating Kura, and also the amazing commitment from the volunteers supporting the programme from both traditional and non-traditional sports.  Pupils from Rolleston College, as part of the Trusts Whakatipu Kaihautū leadership programme, will also be on hand to support the delivery of each rotation and the Trust would like to thank each student for their assistance over the four weeks. 

Note:

Whakatipu Kaihautū means to grow and nurture leaders. The Selwyn Sports Trust believes developing leaders is an important aspect of any community activity, and we love seeing our rangatahi leading our tamariki and being supported by the sport and activity lead experts. 

Article added: Friday 02 June 2023