Selwyn Sports Trust breaking barriers to keep the community active

Enriching people’s lives and well-being through physical activity is the key motivator behind the Selwyn Sports Trust, which continues to grow in the Selwyn community.

The trust is removing potential barriers by providing opportunities for kids and adults of all ages to participate in sports and active recreation in the region.

Selwyn Sports Trust Executive Officer, Jimmy Sinclair, says, “the trust’s objective is to help increase participation and volunteering in sport and active recreation through work with clubs, schools and community groups.”

“A big part of our programme is promoting events that might not otherwise exist within Selwyn.”

The trust hosts various events throughout the year, including The Koru Games, the Lake Crichton Series and the Selwyn Running Festival – to name a few.

Rātā Foundation is a key supporter of the trust, which also focuses on ensuring kids in the region have access to active health and well-being within the school system.

“One of our new pinnacle events is the Winter Sport Module,” says Jimmy. “This is where we take 13 alternative sports and encourage kids to pick a sport they wouldn’t usually participate in on a Saturday.”

“So rather than kids signing up for a long season, we encourage them to get out and try something a bit new.”

With the support of funders like Rātā Foundation, the trust can continue growing and offering these programmes to support the community in leading an active lifestyle.

“We wouldn’t exist without the Rātā Foundation, and we certainly wouldn’t have been able to grow into what we are doing today,” says Jimmy.

“The mahi we’re doing in the community is well supported, and we can always go to Rātā Foundation for extra ideas or support – they’re great people to have on board.”

Rātā Foundation Chief Executive, Leighton Evans, says it’s great to see programmes focused on getting the community active, especially for school-aged children who may not have the opportunity to participate otherwise.

“The trust provides extra support to schools to ensure they can provide quality health and physical activity experiences for all children,” says Leighton.

“Selwyn is constantly growing, and we’re proud to help an organisation that is introducing these events to local people and helping promote the wider effects on wellness in the community.”

“We’re lucky to have such amazing people who give up so much of their time and energy,” says Jimmy. “This includes our board and the volunteers on the ground making events happen for us.”

“They’re a huge cog in the wheel that allows us to spin the way we do, so we’re very grateful.”

For more information on the Selwyn Sports Trust, visit http://selwynsportstrust.org.nz/

Selwyn Sports Trust is funded under the Rātā Participate funding priority area.