Fraser Park Sportsville’s ‘Journeys’ programme is creating a new pitstop on the sporting pathway. The project enables local young people to develop their confidence and competence before committing to formal participation. Delivered in collaboration with the Hutt City Council’s Active in the Hutt team and the Wellington Boys and Girls Institute (BGI), Journeys is empowering young people to be active, focusing on building relationships through physical activity.
Three days per week local young people are invited to the Ricoh Sports Centre. During this time participants are engaged in a range of physical activity offerings, delivered by local sports clubs and community providers. Activities include traditional sports such as football and cricket as well informal activities like dance, boxing and table tennis. Kai, connection time and team building are also integral elements of the Journeys experience.
The project, funded in partnership by Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa, has engaged more than 280 tamariki and rangatahi from 7 local kura; primarily living in Taita, Avalon and Naenae.
Whilst the project runs through until the end of Term 3, the impact it is already having is evident. The key observation made so far is of developing connection, relationships and trust among participants and staff. Rangatahi are demonstrating that they feel safe and supported in the Journeys environment, often returning the following week with a friend or two from school. This emphasises the importance of participating with peers and of providing activity offerings that meet the needs of young people.
To understand more about the project and the impact it is having on local rangatahi, read the case study recently published by Nuku Ora (formally Sport Wellington).
Journeys is delivered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3.45 – 5:00pm at Ricoh Sports Centre.
You can follow the progress of the programme via ‘journeystaita’ on Instagram.
