Eden Park’s have-a-go event for the kids

Putting the accent on fun is the key behind a showcase of sports New Zealand Cricket have set up at Eden Park tomorrow.

While the inaugural pink-ball test is being played against England, the outer oval has been set up to offer children the chance to try their hand at a variety of sports.

So a host of different sporting activities will be able to be sampled in what’s being called the Biggest Sporting Showcase.

Sports will include netball, golf, lacrosse, hockey, rugby, tennis, baseball and Australian Rules.

There is a theory behind offering youngsters a range of activities, rather than just putting on different cricket-themed activities.

NZC chief executive David White said the concept was based on studies which showed children who play several sports were more likely to develop a broad range of skill development, have more fun and enjoy richer experiences than those encouraged to specialise.

“There is a lot of good evidence which suggests children will have more fun and learn more if they have the chance to play several different games,” White said.

“And the more kids who play sport — any type of sport — the greater their exposure to social interaction and alternative norms, and the healthier our communities.”

White said the day is designed to enable young people to sample different sports in a safe environment with tips from experts.

Sport New Zealand are on board with the concept.

“The importance of fun is the key theme in Sport NZ’s Young People Plan,” Sport NZ chief executive Peter Miskimmin said.

One child (under 14) per paying adult will gain free entry to the test tomorrow.

As well as the sports showcase, the family fun day will include a special guest attempting to complete the world’s highest recorded catch — with a drone dropping the ball from a height of more than 60m.