Media Release 11 October 2012

Soccer in the City

www.rebuildchristchurch.co.nz

Rebuild Christchurch says a new project they have inspired, will make a real difference to positive activity in the Christchurch CBD.

The ''Nike Football in the Gap'' football pitch is a collaborative effort, thanks to the All Whites, Nike Football and Rebuild Christchurch, and will be officially launched at 3.30pm on Monday 15 October on the corner of Hereford and Colombo Streets.

The five-aside pitch is approximately 27.5 by 18.15 metres and will stay in place in Hereford Street for several months, opposite the recently reopened Ibis Hotel. It is currently in the red zone but CERA will move the red zone cordon on Monday and allow public assess right up to Colombo Street from Hereford Street.

Deon Swiggs, who heads Rebuild Christchurch, says there are many positive aspects to the pitch and the energy it will bring back to the central city is one.

‘Green areas and positive activity in this area of the CBD amongst the demolitions and empty spaces will be a real highlight to help re-engage people with the city.’

Swiggs says people coming together over the spring and summer playing soccer in the city on the special pitch is another part of the peoples recovery.

“As a city made up of many communities, we need projects like this to help propel us forward. There are many opportunities for corporates like NIKE, GO’s and NGO’s to work together and engage with our communities as we rebuild.”

‘There’s still much to do in the suburbs and we hope that having more spaces for Christchurch people to use in the inner city while the suburban facilities are being repaired and rebuilt, will help bring back energy into the city and help to remind us why we love Christchurch.”

There will be a five-a-side knockout tournament open to anyone played by local kids with prizes - including tickets to the All Whites World Cup qualifier against Tahiti, which takes place in Christchurch the following night, Tuesday 16th October.

www.rebuildchristchurch.co.nz

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