The reality is that more and more tamariki are missing out on participating in sport due to a number of barriers. These include cost, no transport, equipment, and lack of confidence. We know that sport teaches essential life skills and can dramatically increase a child's sense of well-being.
Special Friends Sports Trust (also known as Hoa Motuhake Sports Trust) help disadvantaged and at-risk tamariki from ages 8-12 through sports mentoring programs. Altough our focus is on sport, our main work with the tamariki is around their hauroa, confidence, whanaungatanga and building positive behaviour patterns.
Tamariki are referred by their social worker and are matched with a volunteer sports mentor. The mentor will transport the child to their sporting activities each week and be their number one fan by encouraging and supporting them to participate in their chosen sport. Special Friends Sports Trust cover all the costs including sports fees, clothing, equipment, and any other costs that the mentor occurs.
The program is having an incredibly positive impact on tamariki's lives through giving them the opportunity to play sport and form positive connections with a mentor.
Stats to date for tamariki show:
- 71% increase in confidence
- 82% increase in interaction with peers
- 63% increase in engagement levels
- 59% increase in mood levels from the start to the end of sports sessions
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