Crusaders to teach rugby skills to international students

BNZ Crusaders to teach rugby skills to international students

Wednesday 7 March 2018

The BNZ Crusaders will put international students new to the city through their paces at a welcome event this weekend.

Members of the Crusaders will meet the students and introduce them to rugby at the event being put on by the ChristchurchNZ international education team on Friday 9 March, from 4pm-8pm, at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu. The Crusaders will be onsite from 4pm-5pm.

ChristchurchNZ International Education Programme Manager Bree Loverich said there are about 11,300 international students currently studying in the region, with 60 percent of these being visited by friends and family each year.

“That’s a lot of international visitors and this event is a way to let them – and their families – know what they can do and experience in the city. Having some of the Crusaders team there is a great way to expose them to one of our city’s favourite sports.

“Christchurch is the place where they can try new things and discover their passion. A lot of these students come from big cities and haven’t had the opportunity to engage with nature. We want them to realise how easy it is to go to the beach, or visit our lakes or ski fields,” she said.

Tourism operators will be onsite along with community groups such as Gap Filler and Volunteering Canterbury, showcasing what activities students can get involved with in the city. There will also be live music, giant games, a Kapahaka performance, Chinese Lion Dancers, Indian Bhangra dancers and hip-hop dancers, followed by a welcome speech by Christchurch Deputy Mayor Andrew Turner.

“We even have someone coming from the Department of Conservation to help students realise it’s easy to access the great outdoors, all it takes is a bit of preparation,” Bree said.

“We want to showcase our culture but also let them know that we welcome their culture here too.”

All international students, as well as domestic students new to Christchurch, are invited to attend the event.

ENDS

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