More and more children are missing out on playing sport due to a number of barriers including cost, not having transport to get to games and practises, not having the sports gear and lack of confidence. We know that sport can teach essential life skills and dramatically increase a child’s sense of well being.
Special Friends is working with Sport Canterbury and Oranga Tamariki to give children in care the opportunity to play sport through the Te Pou o te Whare program.
Tamariki aged between 7-12years are referred by their social worker to Special Friends who then match them with a sports mentor. Their sports mentor will transport each child to their sport, provide the equipment required and encourage and support their child to participate fully in their chosen sport. The Special Friends Sports Trust pays all the costs including sports fees, clothing, equipment and the ice cream or drink with their mentor on the way home.
The program is having such a positive impact on children’s lives through giving children the opportunity to play sport and through the positive connection for children with their mentors. In addition it is such an enjoyable and rewarding experience for each mentor. The trust is receiving more children's referrals as a result and would greatly appreciate additional support to enable us to give more children in care the opportunity to engage in sport and have a positive role model in their lives.
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