28 August 2006 Schools' KiwiSport Challenge gets under way

 

 

About 30 schools throughout Christchurch and its environs are taking part and the Challenge runs through until mid-September.

 

In total around 7500 children will be physically active at some stage during the Challenge.

 

KiwiSport Challenge is an initiative of Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC) and endorsed by Sport Canterbury. The aim is to encourage children to participate in a range of sporting activities in a non-competitive environment and regardless of age and ability. Taking part is what it's all about, not winning or losing.

 

While it is non-competitive for the children, the schools compete against one another for spectator support from parents, grandparents, other family members, friends, and members of the community. The schools with the most spectators in relation to children taking part win a share of a major sporting goods prize provided by sponsor Rebel Sport.

 

Lincoln University students from the Bachelor of Recreation Management degree programme help with the planning, organisation, promotion and coaching for the Challenge as part of their course work. They will be handling these arrangements at 14 of the schools taking part.