NZCT Boosts Whakatāne High School’s Sports Tournament Week.

New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has granted Whakatāne High School $20,000 to support their student athletes’ participation in Sports Tournament Week.

Attending Tournament Week is the pinnacle of the school’s sporting calendar with over 110 students representing at tournaments across the North Island. NZCT’s grant benefits students participating in hockey, netball, basketball, football, adventure racing, badminton, and mountain biking.

Director of Sport Ben Sexton comments, “the rising expenses of accommodation and travel mean that without this funding, some students and teams might not have been able to participate. Attending these types of events not only provides them with the opportunity to travel outside of their region, play against new opposition, and foster a lifelong enjoyment of sport, but also creates lifelong friendships and memories.’’

A badminton student shares their excitement, “This is the first time for ages our school has gone to badminton nationals and it’s really cool that we have enough students to travel and play.”

A basketball student adds “It’s been a long season, and I am looking forward to finishing off Year 13 with one final tournament with my teammates.”

NZCT’s GM of Grants, Marketing, and Communications Ben Hodges says "Tournament week is full of camaraderie and competition and creates wonderful memories. NZCT is grateful for the responsible gaming fundraising partnership we share with Cobb & Co. Whakatāne that made Tournament Week possible for more students at Whakatāne High School. "