Being involved in a sport encourages good habits, builds confidence and creates resilience. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
Kuranui College is crying out for sports volunteers after a strong rise in its school roll has resulted in an increased number of sports teams this year.
The Greytown college is experiencing a 20 per cent growth in its roll. This is a result from more people moving into South Wairarapa; less students heading north to enrol in Masterton schools; and implementing the college’s innovative Ignite Curriculum and Inspire Time programme.
The increase in students has also resulted in more sports teams for the coming winter code season.
This year the school will field two extra football teams, two more netball teams, an additional two basketball teams and another hockey team.
Already this year, the college has had an extra cricket team take to the field, as well as two tennis teams and five volleyball teams.
For a small school, Kuranui regularly punches well above its weight in sport.
Over past years, there have been several regional titles across a range of codes, most notably football, hockey and tennis, as well as a swag of medals from some inspiring individual performances in the pool and track and field.
The school’s sports director, Kim Whiteman, said this was all thanks to a small group of dedicated volunteers who fulfil the essential roles of coach, manager or umpire, and sometimes all three. Responsibilities often included driving the van to ensure everyone gets to the game or meet on time.
Whiteman said they are now looking for more volunteers to fill the void as sports teams continue to grow.
“We’re asking for further support from our community to help ensure that our students can remain active,” Whiteman said.
“In addition to more coaches, managers and umpires, we would also welcome people who want to mentor coaches or run one-off sessions for students.
“People can also join a pool to be contacted from time to time, rather than commit to volunteering every week if that suits them better.”
Whiteman said sport and active recreation was vital in keeping young people healthy and focused.
“Active students equal active minds,” she said.
“Being involved in a sport also encourages good habits, builds confidence and creates resilience.
“These are all valuable attributes to help prepare young people to take on the challenges of our rapidly-changing world.”
Kuranui principal Simon Fuller is proud of the college’s sporting achievements and credits the local community’s invaluable support in helping to make sport happen for its students.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our local community, whether it’s sponsoring the team strip, making the teas, driving the van or just supporting from the sidelines,” he said.
“Sporting success isn’t only about the winning or placing first on the day, it can be measured through our supportive culture, our strong community spirit and providing opportunities for our students to be more active, have fun and learn to be members of a team.”
Kuranui holds training sessions at lunchtime from 1.30pm to 2.15pm, after school or during Inspire Time which takes place from 12.30pm to 1.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
More information regarding playing days and fixture times are available at www.kuranuicollege.school.nz.
To lend a hand email Kim Whiteman at [email protected].
