MEDIA RELEASE

25 November 2010

RWC 2011 activities for all Auckland primary schools

Every Auckland primary and intermediate school pupil will have the opportunity to learn from Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) following the launch of the city’s RWC 2011 education programme today.

Auckland Mayor Len Brown launched the programme at Kelston Primary School today.

Len Brown says all primary and intermediate school principals will receive information on the programme over the coming days and he is encouraging each and every one of them to get into it.

“RWC 2011 is about much more than what happens on the field and this is a fantastic opportunity for all school children to participate in and learn from this global event.

“I urge all primary and intermediate school principals in Auckland to embrace this programme and ensure their students have the opportunity to be a part of RWC 2011.

Resources for the schools programme, which targets years one to eight, are being offered to all Auckland schools free of charge.

Len Brown says Auckland’s goal is for RWC 2011 to be an event that all Aucklanders can participate in and be proud of and community engagement initiatives such as the schools programme are a vital part of the event.

Rachael Dacy, Auckland RWC 2011 coordination group chair, says the learning opportunities Auckland’s schools programme provides are a key part of the legacy international major events can provide to the city.

“We see this programme as an important part of maximising the benefits of RWC 2011 for all Aucklanders.”

Auckland has developed a comprehensive RWC 2011 based education programme complete with tailor made classroom resources, sport development resources, festival activity as well as training and support. The programme is supported by the Tournament organisers Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd, the Government’s NZ 2011 Office and the New Zealand Rugby Union.

The programme includes education units in English, mathematics, social science, health and physical education. Schools will receive workbooks, videos and other materials. They will also receive Rippa Rugby sets and Rugby balls free of charge as part of the sport development section.

“Schools can choose whatever they want from the resources and we will also provide free teacher workshops to ensure schools make the most of RWC 2011,” Rachael Dacy says.

A key component of the Auckland schools programme is the Adopt-a-second-team activity pack. Auckland has worked in partnership with Te Puni Kokiri to provide this resource in Te Reo Maori for schools that request it.

ENDS

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