Blues Train At Annual Tamariki Sports Day

24 November 2004

Blues Train At Annual Tamariki Sports Day

Members of the Auckland Blues rugby side will train alongside more than 1200 youngsters at the Tamariki Sports and Cultural Day – Nga Tamariki o Te Ra – next week (2/12).

The event is staged by the organisers of the annual Maori Sports Awards for children aged eight to 12 years from kura kaupapa Maori or Maori language immersion schools from throughout Auckland. South Auckland's Te Kura Kaupapa Maori a Rohe o Mangere will again host the tamariki day at House Park Reserve in central Mangere from 9.45am to 2pm on Thursday, December 2.

Te Tohu Taakaro o Aotearoa executive director Richard (Dick) Garratt says a major highlight will be an appearance by the NPC team as well as the opportunity for youngsters to mix with elite Maori athletes and role models. The tamariki day promotes healthy lifestyles through traditional sporting activities, the revival of traditional Maori games and the demonstration of Maori weaponry, says Mr Garratt.

Some 23 kura kaupapa have been invited with children provided with bus transport, t-shirts, bandanas, food, refreshments and many other giveaways.

"The vision of our founder, the late Albie Pryor is growing in strength every year as we cater for the revival and participation of hakinakina Maori - or Maori sports - for our young people. It will also create opportunities for kura kaupapa Maori to host this event in the future."

The Land Transport Safety Authority (LTSA) is a major sponsor of this year's Maori Sports Awards and Tamariki Sports and Cultural Day along with the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), Alcohol Liquor Advisory Council (ALAC), Auahi Kore (Smokefree), Ministry of Education, Sky City Community Trust and the Mad Butcher. The official awards ceremony is being held at the Auckland Showgrounds on Saturday, December 4.

ENDS

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