School kids enjoy Wellington Harbour with Ocean Sport and Kiwisport

by Wellington Ocean Sports Centre on 5 Jul 2012
The Wellington Ocean Sports Centre in conjunction with Kiwisport have a new initiative to get school children out on the water and enjoying Wellington Harbour, this follows on from previous years where keelboat sailing opportunities have been provided. It is great to see this expanded to include other Ocean Sports this year.

Kiwisport is a Government funding initiative to support sport for school-aged children. It provides funding for school students via Sport New Zealand, with the following goals in mind:
• To increase the number of school-aged children participating in organised sport
• Increase the availability and accessibility of sport opportunities for all school-aged children.
• Support children in developing skills that will enable them to participate effectively in sport.

Raroa Intermediate from Johnsonville were one of the first schools to take advantage of this new scheme. On Thursday 28 June, forty nine 11-13 year olds descended on the Wellington Ocean Sports Centre located in Clyde Quay Boat Harbour on Oriental Parade to have a go at a variety of Ocean Sports, including Keelboat Sailing, Waka Ama and Dinghy Sailing. Wellington turned on a stunning day in the middle of winter to ensure that everyone had a great day on, around and sometimes in the water.

Matt Wood, Manager of the Wellington Ocean Sports Centre commented that it was fantastic to see school children out enjoying the harbour across a variety of activities.

The support of this concept by Kiwisport makes it highly affordable for many schools who would previously not be able to fund such activities. At a cost of only $15 per child per two hour activity it brings the activities within reach of so many more children.

If you, or your school, wish to become involved with this initiative simply contact Matt Wood on (04) 939 6702 or email ocean@rpnyc.org.nz.