15 August 2025 Try it all: How the Sports & Healthy Living Initiative is serving up opportunities for students

From competitive volleyball to fishing and diving, a record mix of recreation has been backed by Lincoln’s Sports and Healthy Living Initiative this year.

Now in its third year and having delivered five funding rounds, the initiative funds sport and recreation for students at the university. It aims to encourage connection, movement and wellbeing across the student community.

Lincoln Sport Co-ordinator Kathy Baxendale said there had been many new sports and activities funded for the first time this year.

“This initiative helps us reach students who might not otherwise get involved in sport. 

“The funding goes a long way, enabling us to showcase the facilities available across Selwyn and Christchurch, and increase participation across many diverse groups.”

A big success story has been in Volleyball, where the fund supported a newly formed men's team to represent Lincoln University in the National Tertiary Volleyball Championships. It was the first time in history a Lincoln men’s team played in the national championships.

They didn’t bring home the win, but were awarded the tournament’s Spirit Award. They’ve since formed an official LU club, which plays in the local Christchurch competition every week and trains at the LU gym. 

“We don’t want this to be a one-year thing, we want it to be the start of a legacy future students can continue and be proud of,” said player Jitesh Kumar.

“We’re really excited with how it's going.”

Other new additions included Run Club trips to Hanmer and Peak to Pub, rowing equipment and coaching, and live streaming for Lincoln University sports games.

Alongside competitive sport, plenty of active recreation adventures have been backed.

Students rode the chairlift and explored trails at the Christchurch Adventure Park. Another trip saw a group of students cycle the Little River Rail Trail. Future trips are already being planned, such as a journey to Washpen Falls.

It also funded the new frisbee golf course, a much-loved addition to campus.

The initiative continues to fund a wide range of student sport, including archery, swimming, social netball, futsal, cricket, pickleball, water polo, and fishing and diving. 

Applications for the next round of funding close on 31 August 2025. Students, staff and clubs are encouraged to apply via the application form here. 

Thanks to the generous support of Rabobank (Rabo Community Fund), Scales, and ANZCO, the initiative continues to strengthen sport, recreation and wellbeing for students at Lincoln University.

If you would like to contribute to this fund, please contact the Alumni Team at alumni@lincoln.ac.nz