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Regardless of whether the Blues lose or the Hurricanes are blown off the park, young rugby fans are bound to enjoy an upcoming fixture at Eden Park.
Registrations are open for the race for the nib Junior Relay. Set for May 16, the event will see teams of 10 children aged 11–13 years compete at halftime during the Blues v Hurricanes match.
The winning team will take home $10,000 to invest into their schools or clubs, helping support sport participation, equipment and development at a grassroots level.
Blues chief executive, Karl Budge, says the franchise is proud to host the relay.
“It’s amazing to see the positive impact the nib Junior $10K Relay has on our grassroots communities. Supporting junior rugby clubs and schools with wellbeing initiatives while creating a fun event for kids to get excited about is a prime example of the awesome mahi we accomplish with nib due to our long-standing partnership.”
The event is open to teams from within the Blues region. However, if enough schools and clubs from Counties apply, perhaps Budge (a Bombay RFC old boy) might allow them to compete, the Franklin Times expects.
Skye Daniels from nib says the relay is a lot of fun for runners and their families, encourages kids to be active and the cash prize can be spent on equipment or resources that encourage an active lifestyle.
“Racing at Eden Park is an unforgettable experience. The $10,000 prize gives the winning club or school the chance to invest in what they want and need, in terms of sports equipment upgrades or new kit.”
Recent research indicates that roughly 61 per cent of New Zealanders believe the most important lesson to pass along to young people is how to live a healthy lifestyle,” Daniels confirms.
“It’s reassuring to know that health and wellbeing remain a priority for New Zealanders. Our aim is to encourage healthy habits through participation, connection and fun, which is what the relay will be, for all those teams.”
Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu encourages schools and clubs to apply.
“For all the kids out there, grab your teammates and make sure you enter. It’s all about running hard, having fun and representing your school or club. We can’t wait to see teams on the field.”
Entrants must tell the Blues and nib, in 50 words or less, how they’ll use the prize money to support the health and wellbeing of their junior players. Entries close May 6. See www.blues.rugby/nib-10k-relay for details.
