Latest news with #NewZealandCommunityTrust
Scoop
7 days ago
- Sport
- Scoop
A Sporting Chance: NZCT Backs Special Olympics With $250,000 Grant
Press Release – NZCT The National Summer Games are more than just a sporting event theyre a celebration of ability, determination, and community. Grants like this wouldnt be possible without the responsible gaming partnerships we share with our local venues, says … New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded a grant of $250,000 to Special Olympics New Zealand to fund event costs for the National Summer Games (NSG)— making it possible for more athletes with an intellectual disability to take part in what is to be the largest-ever iteration of the NSG this December in Christchurch. Mark Davies, Special Olympics New Zealand's Finance and Funding Manager, says the funding comes at a crucial time. 'Special Olympics operates within a four-year cycle, the pinnacle event of which is our National Summer Games. This year, from 10-14 December, 1,400 athletes plus 450 coaches and support workers will arrive in Christchurch to participate in the Games. 'Our athletes spend years qualifying for these Games by attending local and regional events that test their capacity to travel, compete, and stay away from home independently. Over the past few years, our qualifying events have seen a significant increase in participation and we're on track for the largest National Summer Games in history. 'From the moment team members arrive in Christchurch, we take care of all their needs, including (but not limited to) transport, accommodation, health screenings, meals, and scheduling. A significant part of this generous grant from NZCT will be used for transporting our athletes from their accommodations to (and between) different events.' This year's Games will feature ten sports across seven venues, including athletics, swimming, football, basketball, golf, equestrian, indoor bowling, ten pin bowling, bocce, and power lifting. Over 700 volunteers will help make it all happen — from running events to ensuring medical support is on hand. Special Olympics requires a 1:4 coach-to-athlete ratio to ensure all athletes receive the right level of care and support. Athlete Leader Ryan says, 'I enjoy the National Summer Games because there isn't the same level of pressure that you get in mainstream sport. It's all about smiles and everyone having fun.' Fellow Athlete Leader Chrissa says, 'For the first time in my life, I realised that those with disabilities can still hold strong opinions and compete enthusiastically, just like everyone else.' Athlete Leader Shanae, adds'Because of the Special Olympics programme, I was able to participate in sports for the first time ever when I was fifteen years old.' NZCT's GM of Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges, says, ''We're proud to support Special Olympics New Zealand in delivering such a meaningful and inclusive event. The National Summer Games are more than just a sporting event — they're a celebration of ability, determination, and community. Grants like this wouldn't be possible without the responsible gaming partnerships we share with our local venues.'
Scoop
7 days ago
- Sport
- Scoop
A Sporting Chance: NZCT Backs Special Olympics With $250,000 Grant
New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded a grant of $250,000 to Special Olympics New Zealand to fund event costs for the National Summer Games (NSG)— making it possible for more athletes with an intellectual disability to take part in what is to be the largest-ever iteration of the NSG this December in Christchurch. Mark Davies, Special Olympics New Zealand's Finance and Funding Manager, says the funding comes at a crucial time. 'Special Olympics operates within a four-year cycle, the pinnacle event of which is our National Summer Games. This year, from 10-14 December, 1,400 athletes plus 450 coaches and support workers will arrive in Christchurch to participate in the Games. 'Our athletes spend years qualifying for these Games by attending local and regional events that test their capacity to travel, compete, and stay away from home independently. Over the past few years, our qualifying events have seen a significant increase in participation and we're on track for the largest National Summer Games in history. 'From the moment team members arrive in Christchurch, we take care of all their needs, including (but not limited to) transport, accommodation, health screenings, meals, and scheduling. A significant part of this generous grant from NZCT will be used for transporting our athletes from their accommodations to (and between) different events." This year's Games will feature ten sports across seven venues, including athletics, swimming, football, basketball, golf, equestrian, indoor bowling, ten pin bowling, bocce, and power lifting. Over 700 volunteers will help make it all happen — from running events to ensuring medical support is on hand. Special Olympics requires a 1:4 coach-to-athlete ratio to ensure all athletes receive the right level of care and support. Athlete Leader Ryan says, 'I enjoy the National Summer Games because there isn't the same level of pressure that you get in mainstream sport. It's all about smiles and everyone having fun.' Fellow Athlete Leader Chrissa says, 'For the first time in my life, I realised that those with disabilities can still hold strong opinions and compete enthusiastically, just like everyone else.' Athlete Leader Shanae, adds 'Because of the Special Olympics programme, I was able to participate in sports for the first time ever when I was fifteen years old.' NZCT's GM of Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges, says, ''We're proud to support Special Olympics New Zealand in delivering such a meaningful and inclusive event. The National Summer Games are more than just a sporting event — they're a celebration of ability, determination, and community. Grants like this wouldn't be possible without the responsible gaming partnerships we share with our local venues.'
Scoop
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
$150K Slam Dunk: Titahi Bay School Scores Big With Covered Court Boost
Press Release – NZCT Beyond basketball, the canopy will support daily play, PE, Kapa Haka, and school events without disruption. New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded Titahi Bay School a $150,000 grant to build a Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA) canopy over the school's basketball courts—ensuring students and the wider Porirua community can play, learn, and connect all year round. Titahi Bay School takes great pride in being a community-centred kura and has long been a beacon of community engagement, offering out of hours community access to the school's a pump track, turf field, and basketball courts. Principal Matthew Tilley says, 'Our basketball league brings together forty teams from Porirua and Tawa primary schools, creating a vibrant hub of community activity. Thanks to this generous NZCT grant, the new canopy will allow us to run the league year-round—rain or shine—giving our tamariki more opportunities to play, stay active, and develop their skills. Beyond basketball, the canopy will support daily play, PE, Kapa Haka, and school events without disruption. It also provides a welcoming space for the whole school to gather—offering shade in summer, shelter in winter, and a lasting symbol of the strength of community partnerships and our shared commitment to healthy, active lifestyles for generations to come.' Jacinta Kelleher, Head of Sport, adds 'A gymnasium is often not financially realistic for primary schools, so this canopy is the next best thing.' NZCT's GM of Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges, adds, 'This project ticks all the boxes—sport, culture, learning, and connection—and we're thrilled to be part of it. Grants like this wouldn't be possible without the responsible gaming partnerships we share with our local venues Legends Bar, the Mariner, and the Sandbar Mana. Notes: Tītahi Bay School is nestled in the heart of Tītahi Bay, a short distance to the beach and harbour. They have New Entrants to Year 6 children and are a vibrant school which embraces the cultural traditions found within their diverse group of students. New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) is one of the largest gaming societies in New Zealand. In 23/24, NZCT awarded over $40 million in grants for a wide range of community services, including sports, rescue services, youth development, the Arts, and cultural activities. More on NZCT's grants programme, harm prevention approach, and partnership with hospitality venues throughout New Zealand.
Scoop
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
$150K Slam Dunk: Titahi Bay School Scores Big With Covered Court Boost
New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded Titahi Bay School a $150,000 grant to build a Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA) canopy over the school's basketball courts—ensuring students and the wider Porirua community can play, learn, and connect all year round. Titahi Bay School takes great pride in being a community-centred kura and has long been a beacon of community engagement, offering out of hours community access to the school's a pump track, turf field, and basketball courts. Principal Matthew Tilley says, 'Our basketball league brings together forty teams from Porirua and Tawa primary schools, creating a vibrant hub of community activity. Thanks to this generous NZCT grant, the new canopy will allow us to run the league year-round—rain or shine—giving our tamariki more opportunities to play, stay active, and develop their skills. Beyond basketball, the canopy will support daily play, PE, Kapa Haka, and school events without disruption. It also provides a welcoming space for the whole school to gather—offering shade in summer, shelter in winter, and a lasting symbol of the strength of community partnerships and our shared commitment to healthy, active lifestyles for generations to come.' Jacinta Kelleher, Head of Sport, adds 'A gymnasium is often not financially realistic for primary schools, so this canopy is the next best thing.' NZCT's GM of Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges, adds, 'This project ticks all the boxes—sport, culture, learning, and connection—and we're thrilled to be part of it. Grants like this wouldn't be possible without the responsible gaming partnerships we share with our local venues Legends Bar, the Mariner, and the Sandbar Mana. Notes: Tītahi Bay School is nestled in the heart of Tītahi Bay, a short distance to the beach and harbour. They have New Entrants to Year 6 children and are a vibrant school which embraces the cultural traditions found within their diverse group of students. New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) is one of the largest gaming societies in New Zealand. In 23/24, NZCT awarded over $40 million in grants for a wide range of community services, including sports, rescue services, youth development, the Arts, and cultural on NZCT's grants programme, harm prevention approach, and partnership with hospitality venues throughout New Zealand.
