Former All Black Returns to Support Kids Hospital

MEDIA RELEASE
31 August 2006

Former All Black Returns to the Field to Support Kidz First Children’s Hospital

Former All Black Ant Strachan will put his best foot forward to lead a charity “kick for cash” challenge in this Friday night’s rugby match at Eden Park.

At half time during the Auckland vs North Harbour Air New Zealand Cup match, Strachan will kick four balls and Junior Muaiava, a SKYCITY staff member, will kick the fifth ball.

For every successful kick over the goalpost, SKYCITY will donate $1000 to the Kidz First Centre for Youth Health. The outreach centre promotes healthy development of young people through education services, training and research.

As major supporter of both Kidz First Children’s Hospital and Auckland Rugby, SKYCITY is donating the money as a fun way to demonstrate its support and hopefully, provide an additional $5000 towards the deserving cause.

SKYCITY also urges fans at the game to get behind the cause and donate generously to the official Kidz First volunteers who will be collecting donations outside the Stadium pre-match. All money raised will go towards the Centre for Youth Health.

Strachan, who manages the Blues Super 14 team, says he is a strong personal supporter of the Blues and Auckland Rugby being involved with Kidz First Children’s Hospital as their official charity for the 2006 season.

“It doesn’t matter what team you support or play for, the health and well-being of children is something we are all concerned about. We all know how important organisations like Kidz First are,” he says.

Pam Tregonning, Director, South Auckland Health Foundation, says it’s fantastic for the Centre for Youth Health to have the sustained support of SKYCITY and of Auckland Rugby.

“The vision for the Centre for Youth Health is to ensure that all children and teenagers be supported to reach their full potential,” says Pam.

“These kids really look up to the rugby players who are great role models – they are dedicated, work hard and have shown strong commitment to succeed.

“SKYCITY has been there for Kidz First from the start, providing support for over five years.

“The amount they have done for the community is significant – from their founding sponsorship of the Kidz First Burns and Plastics Unit to hosting the annual Christmas party for Kidz First outpatients and families,” she says.

The ‘kick for cash’ event will put Junior Muaiava, a member of the Security team at SKYCITY, in the spotlight as he makes the fifth kick in the challenge. He was selected through a staff competition and describes himself as ‘very excited but also nervous’ as he prepares for Friday night.

Junior, who lives in Ponsonby and also plays for Ponsonby Rugby club outside work, says he will have family and friends coming along to watch the game and his kick attempt at half time.

“I am pleased to do this for the kids – I have a five year old child myself and I just hope I get it over the goal,” he says.

ENDS

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