SPARC Get2Go challenge kicks off in September

Media Release
29 August 2006

SPARC Get2Go challenge kicks off in September

SPARC’s (Sport and Recreation New Zealand) exciting new Get2Go team adventure challenge for Auckland and Northland Year 9 and 10 students starts next month.

The challenge will take place in parks and on waterways throughout the regions and will involve a series of events, including rock climbing, orienteering, mountain biking and kayaking.

SPARC is partnering with the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre (OPC) to set-up the inaugural event designed to encourage participation in outdoor pursuit activities.

“We’re really excited about this event because it will provide opportunities for kids who haven’t previously taken part in the outdoors and give them the tools and confidence to continue exploring that environment,” said SPARC Chief Executive Nick Hill.

Hill said an additional aim of the event was to develop important links between participants, teachers, sports coordinators and parents to the outdoor-based clubs.

“We want to encourage Kiwi kids to utilise New Zealand’s great outdoors and help them gain valuable skills and experiences that will put them in good stead for life’s many challenges,” said Hill.

Get2Go includes four regional one-day challenges in Waitakere/North Harbour, Counties Manukau, Northland, and central Auckland starting from the end of September and finishing in mid-October. The five-day final event will be held at the new OPC adventure centre on Great Barrier Island in December.

Get2Go is free and open to all Year 9 and 10 students in the Auckland and Northland regions. Schools can enter one team of eight students.

Hill said Get2Go was a pilot event and if successful could be rolled out nationally.

“Ideally, we’d like to be able to offer this fantastic opportunity to Year 9 and 10 students throughout New Zealand,” said Hill.

For a registration form and more information on Get2Go visit www.opc.org.nz. For more information about SPARC visit www.sparc.org.nz

ENDS

www.sparc.org.nz

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