Holiday programme boosts community morale
An event created last year to showcase youthful talent in Napier’s Eastern Suburbs is returning for the October school holidays.
The Challenge which attracted 500 enrolments in 2017, is designed to provide a diverse range of arts and sports activities for children in Napier South, Te Awa, Marewa, Maraenui, Onekawa and Pirimai South.
Maraenui Rugby and Sports president Vicky Julian says she’s looking forward to the event.
“There are so many negative things said about the district, particularly Maraenui, that it makes for a negative environment for our kids.”
Julian’s organisation will be hosting and managing the event with the backing of the Tu Tangata Trust and the North and South Trust.
“There’s so much talent there- athletes, artists, actors, singers, and the idea is to present a whole lot of different activities for the kids to take part in and challenge themselves while doing new things.”
Sporting codes featuring in The Challenge will include rugby, softball and netball.
“We’re bringing in some great coaches, but there will also be guest appearances from the Magpies, the netball and softball fraternities.
“So there will be some stars there that kids can look up to and talk to.”
Joe Taylor and members of the Hawke’s Bay members of the Latin American Club will teach design workshops and basic painting skills.
Street artist Sallie Dunford will run the workshops, helped by EIT students Vee Hoy, Joe Rowntree and Jen Yardley.
“It’s a community opportunity for kids to get involved with practical stages of artwork like murals.
“From putting a design together, having it accepted and then putting it on a wall.
“Three walls in four days is a big ask but our team can do it. The designs will be around sports because of the location, but it will be more about what brings us together for sports, the connectedness, the competition, family feelings.”
The Challenge is usually aimed at ages 8-16, however Dunford is looking as 12- to 17-year-olds to work on the murals.
Plastic Free Hawke’s Bay’s Jenny Keown will also be on hand to present the group’s vision to the youth.
“All the feedback from the first Challenge indicated that it was well received and wellrun and had the desired outcomes,” Julian said.
“Having everything in one area this year, as opposed to six different places last time will make the running of the event even smoother.” i To register for the 2018 Napier Eastern Suburbs Challenge, text 022 419 2488 and include event, name, age and gender.