Generosity gets school sport rolling
A prominent private school has donated thousands of dollars’ worth of sports equipment to lesswell-off youngsters.
As part of the iSPORT Foundation’s nationwide campaign, Epsom Girls Grammar in Auckland has donated their used gear to Papakura High School.
The foundation was originally set up by Dan Carter, Richie McCaw and Ali Williams to give all Kiwi kids an equal shot in sport.
EGGS sports captains Jess Philpot and Molly Sheffield organised the donations after their teachers started clearing out the PE shed.
They gathered hockey sticks, unused balls, tennis rackets, golf clubs – and even a petanque set and multiple pairs of inline skates.
Papakura High prefect Melevesi Manase said the school did not have a lot of equipment, which limited their sports training.
‘‘This much equipment contributes to us financially and allows us to use our money on other businesses to help benefit our school. My heart is just full,’’ she said.
The school’s head of sport, Jason Borland, said sports were extremely important for the lowdecile school, and empowered the students.
‘‘They may not be doing so well in their education and not only that, it’s something for the students to feel proud about.
‘‘It’s good for these students to have dreams and aspirations and sport’s one way to keep them on the straight and narrow.’’
The school community did not have a lot of money to contribute to sports – especially activities with a financial element.
‘‘Students can’t always provide their own gear for sport. So the school’s responsibility is to provide the students with the gear to enable them to play sport.
‘‘We wouldn’t be able to have a hockey team if we insisted the students brought a hockey stick,’’ he said.
iSPORT Foundation chief executive Alister Gates said there were many schools like Papakura High who needed a helping hand.
‘‘We’ve teamed up with a whole bunch of people to say ‘hey let’s get out there, let’s tell people about this’.’’
The foundation has set up donation bins around the country
Sporting goals allow children to develop life skills, moral values, leadership and resilience that sets them up for life, he said.
The foundation also distributes grants and provides a crowdfunding platform to help young sporting prodigies follow their dreams.