Encouraging positive sideline support was the focus of a special workshop held recently at Arahoe Primary School, guided by the Good Sports framework.

Recognising the value of positive adult influence on tamariki’s enjoyment of sport, Good Sports is a culture change initiative aiming to create healthy and enjoyable experiences for children by educating and supporting the key adult influencers in youth sport.

Good Sports is a well-established and highly regarded initiative, that was initially designed by Aktive as a Sport NZ funded Active Communities Project and then further developed over the last three years.   

The workshop was designed to help those supporting children in sport across the Whau cluster of schools, including sport coordinators, cluster leads, principals, teachers, parents and caregivers.

Jemma Palmer, Youth Sports Advisor from Sport Waitākere, who conducted the Arahoe School workshop, said the principles of Good Sports are so valuable in helping tamariki have positive sporting experiences.

“We are growing and helping develop tamariki while providing positive sporting experiences which will ultimately lead to a lifelong love of sport.  Educating adult influencers in youth sport ensures that  Kiwi kids have the best chance to develop a passion for being active and cultivate a healthy connection with their sporting activities, not just while at school but hopefully for life,” says Jemma.

The workshop was funded by Sport Waitākere which supports Whau Cluster sports events with the aim of building a space where children can participate in fun, encouraging and competitive environments, while embracing an active lifestyle.

Article added: Wednesday 10 April 2024