Wellington Phoenix to pass on knowledge to primary schools

Wellington Phoenix set to pass on their knowledge to local primary schools

Wellington Phoenix stars, Paul Ifill and Louis Fenton will join other big names in New Zealand sport to pass on their experience to primary school children at this year’s annual Pelorus Trust Stadium Sports Festival, held on Tuesday 18 March at Wellington’s premier sporting facility, Westpac Stadium.

Organised by Sport Wellington, the eleventh annual Pelorus Trust Stadium Sports Festival allows 600 school children in years 5 and 6 the opportunity to “have-a-go” at sports they might not generally experience with the hope they will find a sport they enjoy and want to play regularly either through school, KiwiSport programmes, or sport clubs.

Sporting stars Paul Ifill and Louis Fenton from the Wellington Phoenix are set to make an appearance at this year’s event. This is the third time in four years that the Phoenix have donated their players time to the Pelorus Trust Stadium Sports Festival. Two years ago, Ifill and Leo Burtos attended the event, and were a resounding success. Ifill is planning to do it all over again this year despite a serious injury cutting his season with the Phoenix short.

“Having Paul and Louis attending will be a fantastic surprise for the children,” says organiser David Fa’atafa, from Sport Wellington. “They bring excitement that just creates a fantastic buzz among the students.” “We’ve heard both are looking forward to spending time with the kids to pass on their knowledge and love of sport” Fa’atafa adds.

Football is one of the sports students will get to try on the day. It is considered the most popular among Wellington children in the 5 - 14 age group, according to a recent Sport New Zealand survey (www.sportwellington.org.nz/young-peoples-survey/), and having the Wellington Phoenix attend can only add to its popularity.

Other big name stars attending this event will include; Ping Yuan New Zealand Commonwealth Gold Medalist and World Champion in Fencing, Former All Black Dave Loveridge, Former Cricket Black Cap Chris Nevin, current Blackstick Steven Jenness and current New Zealand AFL player Sam McKenzie.

This year a record 67 schools applied to attend the regional event which can cater for 20 schools. Fa’atafa says the day is a festival of ‘having a go’ at new sports, as well as being active and enjoying some friendly competition.

The Pelorus Trust Stadium Sports Festival begins at 10am and finishes at 2pm, with a lunch break between 12.10 and 12.40pm. The postponement date is set for Tuesday 1 April.

Full list of schools attending:

Wellington
Amesbury School
Berhampore School
Brooklyn Primary School
Hataitai School
Kilbirnie School
Northland School

Porirua
Discovery School
Glenview School
Rangikura School

Kapiti
Paraparaumu Beach School

Lower Hutt
Kelson School
Koraunui School
Maungaraki School
Normandale School
Petone Central School
Pomare School
Randwick School

Upper Hutt
Plateau School
Upper Hutt Primary School

Wairarapa
Pirinoa School
Tuturumuri School

ENDS

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