Otago Volts with Otago Polytechnic for Champions League

August 22, 2013

Otago Volts partner with Otago Polytechnic for Champions League in India

Otago Polytechnic have become official partners with the Otago Volts cricket team, as they prepare to compete on the world stage at the Champions League Twenty20 in India, kicking off on September 17.

“We are thrilled to have Otago Polytechnic’s backing,” says Otago Cricket Chief Executive, Ross Dykes. “To have an Otago-based institution supporting the Volts at an internationally-renowned competition will be a reminder of where we come from and the support we have back home.”

The Champions League Twenty20 is an annual international cricket competition played between the top domestic teams from major cricketing nations. It has a total prize pool of US$6 million, with the winning team receiving $2.5million.

Otago Polytechnic has made a substantial contribution towards the trip and Otago Polytechnic Communications Director, Mike Waddell, is looking forward to seeing what educational opportunities come from this investment.

“Education is one of the most dynamic sectors in India. There are numerous opportunities for the Polytechnic to collaborate with India in higher education and research, and provide excellent vocational education and training for Indian students here in New Zealand. We have three exceptional campuses – Auckland, Dunedin and Central Otago – all of which offer unique and internationally-relevant programmes.”

As part of this partnership, Otago Polytechnic hopes to establish a long-term relationship with Otago Cricket and collaborate on educational initiatives.

“This is not just about cricket,” says Mr Waddell. “We see the potential for a long-term relationship with Otago Cricket based on preparing their professional athletes for life after cricket through tertiary education.”

Mr Dykes says Otago Cricket is currently investigating programmes run through Capable NZ, a subsidiary of Otago Polytechnic which provides flexible learning. He says they would like to consider a programme which helps transition professional athletes into higher education.

“We want to demonstrate that cricket can be a useful vehicle into education,” says Mr Dykes. “Otago Polytechnic offers many flexible learning pathways, suitable for athletes who have demanding schedules and for those we who looking beyond their cricketing careers.

“I think there are long term benefits for both parties and there’s the potential to be hugely innovative. We don’t just see this is one-way relationship. We really hope to give something back to the Polytechnic,” says Mr Dykes.

With an all-star line-up which includes Brendan and Nathan McCullum, Hamish Rutherford, Ian Butler and Ryan ten Doeschate, Otago Cricket is confident with how the team will perform at the event.

“New Zealand has never had so many internationally-qualified players in one team at this League,” says Mr Dykes. “We’re looking forward to seeing them in action.”

As part of the partnership, the Otago Polytechnic logo will feature on the players’ training and playing shirts, signage will be displayed at all Otago Volts games throughout the season and the Polytechnic logo will have television exposure during the T20 matches.

ENDS

© Scoop Media