The Selwyn Sports Trust Activation Spectacular is officially underway for 2026, with more than 1,150 Year 5–8 students already taking part from schools across the district.

Running across four weeks, the programme gives tamariki the opportunity to experience 16 different sports in a fun, safe and non-competitive environment, encouraging students to try new activities, build confidence and discover new passions for being active.

The Activation Spectacular continues to be one of the Selwyn Sports Trust’s most impactful participation initiatives, designed to remove barriers to sport and provide positive first experiences for young people who may not otherwise engage in organised physical activity.

Selwyn Sports Trust Executive Officer Mitch Prendergast says the programme is all about creating opportunities for tamariki to explore movement in an environment focused on fun, inclusion and connection.

“The Activation Spectacular is one of the programmes we are most proud of because it gives so many young people the chance to step outside their comfort zone and try something completely new,” says Prendergast.

“For some students, this may be the first time they have ever picked up a golf club, thrown a frisbee or experienced a sport like korfball. Seeing their confidence grow throughout the day is incredibly rewarding.”

The programme is delivered in partnership with a wide range of regional sporting organisations and community providers, all helping introduce students to new sporting opportunities across Selwyn.

Sports and providers involved in the 2026 Activation Spectacular include:

• Canterbury Rugby

• Canterbury Cricket

• Athletics Canterbury

• Badminton Canterbury

• Canterbury Golf

• Canterbury Ultimate

• Mixx Korfball

• Selwyn United Football Club

• Surf Lifesaving

• Bowls Canterbury

• Halberg Foundation

• ParaFed Canterbury

Prendergast says the willingness of sporting organisations to support the initiative is what makes the programme so successful.

“We are incredibly lucky to work alongside passionate sport providers who genuinely care about creating positive experiences for young people. The energy they bring into these sessions plays a huge role in making the programme so special.”

The Selwyn Sports Trust also acknowledged the support of Kiwi Gaming Foundation, whose funding support helps make the programme accessible for schools and students across the district.

“Programmes like this simply do not happen without community support. We are extremely grateful to Kiwi Gaming Foundation for backing this kaupapa and helping us continue creating opportunities for tamariki across Selwyn,” says Prendergast.

With Week One now complete and thousands more participation experiences still to come, excitement is already building for the remainder of the programme.

“We cannot wait to see the impact the next few weeks will have. The energy across the Selwyn Sports Centre has been incredible already, and this is only the beginning.”

Article added: Friday 15 May 2026