NZMA and Waddell boost support for youth to overcome challenges
Since 2023, NZMA’s partnership with Olympic gold medallist Rob Waddell’s organisation, Waddell, has been breaking down financial barriers that prevent young people from succeeding in their education and sports.
This alliance, known as the NZMA School Sponsorship Programme, provides support for students who might otherwise miss out on engaging in school activities. To date, funding has been spent on a range of essential needs such as uniforms, equipment, nutritional food, and other necessary support for secondary students facing significant barriers to participation and engagement in school.
Initially focused on South Auckland, the programme has now expanded to support 15 schools across West Auckland, Wellington and Porirua.
“There is so much need across all schools,” says Rob.
“Sadly, we’re seeing an increasing number of students not participate in activities at all due to the risk of being selected for teams and trips they know they won’t be able to afford.”
“Recognising that poverty is widespread, we’re extremely grateful for the backing of organisations like NZMA, which has allowed us to expand our support to more schools in 2024.”
Rob adds that a strong aspect of the partnership’s success is engaging students in their education and career options through open days, away days, whānau days, and career expos with NZMA. He notes, “It's been a partnership really well aligned to student’s needs.”
In partnership with NZMA, Waddell has also organised various fundraising dinners, featuring New Zealand athletes like Olympic shot-put champion Valerie Adams, to inspire students and raise nearly $50,000 from local organisations to bolster support for schools.
“Sport and other extracurricular commitments are a powerful way for students to develop key skills like leadership, teamwork, and building lasting relationships, along with physical well-being, which will serve them well in their future careers and lives,” Rob says.
“By making schooling and extracurricular opportunities more accessible, we help kids at a critical point in their character development when they’re figuring out what they want to do with their lives.”
“What NZMA are doing is changing lives, and it’s an absolute privilege to be helping them and helping the schools.”
Sponsored schools include:
Alfriston College, Aorere College, James Cook High School, Manurewa High School, Ōtāhuhu College, Papakura High School, Papatoetoe High School, Porirua College, Kelston Boys High School, Kelson Girls High School, Aotea College, Henderson High School, Massey High School, Naenae College, Tawa College.
Read more:
Former New Zealand athletes get behind South Auckland schools
NZMA support helps Ōtāhuhu College students thrive in sport and extracurricular activities
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