NZ Junior Rugby and Netball Festivals

25/08/2014

Kids’ Sporting Event Leads the Way

The healthiest rugby and netball tournament in New Zealand will return to Taupo from September 13-14th followed a week by the South Island leg in Queenstown 20 – 21st. The events have a newfound focus to be the most environmentally friendly junior sporting events in the world.

In 2011, the NZ Junior Rugby and Netball Festival bucked the trend in New Zealand sport by turning down fast food sponsorship offers to partner with Charitable Trust 5+ A Day; handing out fresh fruit instead of French fries.

Event organisers Global Games have now turned their attention to reducing their carbon footprint as much as possible in 2014, with the help of Auckland-based company Instep.

“There is an increasing trend around the world of event organisers, from all types of events, becoming more and more conscious of their environmental impact,” said Instep director Peter Birkett.

“We will monitor the environmental impact of transportation, waste, power usage, energy consumption and water consumption, before issuing a carbon emission profile at the end of the event and making recommendations on how to make the NZ Junior Rugby and Netball Festival more sustainable in future.

“This event will become certified by the ISO (International Organisation of Standardisation), alongside events ranging from major spectacles such as the Olympic Games, all the way to one-day local events.”

The annual U9-U13 sports festival, which began in 2010, attracts teams from around New Zealand and regularly hosts international touring teams, from the likes of South Africa, Australia and even France.

“The festival gives all junior rugby and netball players the opportunity to participate against clubs from around the country and the world, on a foundation of sportsmanship, enjoyment and friendship,” said Global Games director Tyrone Campbell.

“After seeing the amount of rubbish left behind last year, we decided to watch our carbon footprint more closely in 2014. 25/08/2014

“We feel a responsibility to ensure that our event leaves as little environmental impact as possible. It also fits with the values of what we are trying to promote to the kids”

Although the emissions generated by a junior sports tournament pale in comparison to many other events and activities around the world which contribute greatly to an unhealthy planet, Birkett insists it is a worthwhile exercise.

“Every little bit helps in taking action to become more sustainable. The fact that Global Games has opted to do their part is admirable and shows they take their events very seriously,” said Birkett.

Global Games is very grateful for the generous support given by key partners 5+ A Day, Hilton Queenstown, Pita Pit and Lone star, without which the events would not be possible.

There are still a few places available for teams. For more information visit http://www.globalgames.co.nz/
or email info@globalgames.co.nz.

ENDS

© Scoop Media