A Southland sporting organisation has taken the healthy approach to rewarding its budding young players.
Southland Basketball, in partnership with Healthy Families Invercargill and Splash Palace, has adopted new Player of the Day prizes for its miniball competition which include two for one vouchers for use at Splash Palace.
Southland Basketball General Manager Jill Bolger said the change was about offering the youngsters a healthy reward option.
‘’We are encouraging our children to be more physically active and to fuel their bodies with correct hydration . The pool vouchers will also be part of that, helping the kids be more active and it will have a spin off because the player will probably bring a friend or family member .’’
The miniball competition runs in term 3 and 4 and involves primary school aged children in years 3 to 6. The competition starts on Tuesday (September 5).
Healthy Families Invercargill manager Jared Cappie said the Healthy Families Invercargill team was thrilled to have been able to help get the new Player of the Day prizes off the ground.
"Our vision is to build healthy, happy, safe, and connected communities in Invercargill and if we can get that positive messaging across to the next generation, then that will be a big part of creating that healthy systems change."
Sport Southland Connecting Communities lead adviser Gareth Scott said the idea for the swim vouchers came from a three on three basketball tournament Connecting Communities ran with South Alive last year.
''All the kids preferred swim vouchers to basketballs and other rewards because of the flexibility, accessibility of Splash Palace and the fun factor of a day at the pool.''
Splash Palace manager Pete Thompson said he and his staff were excited to be part of this new initiative.
“We have such a wonderful aquatic centre here in Southland and Council recognises the role our community facilities have in encouraging kids and families to get active and play together. We’re really proud to be a part of this and it’s a great example of Southland organisations working together.”
Article and image courtesy of Healthy Families Invercargill