Sport Start fund given significant boost by NBS

A Sport Tasman funding initiative that breaks down financial barriers to allow more kids to participate in sport has been given a significant boost thanks to a new partnership between Sport Tasman and local banking services provider NBS.

Sport Start allows more tamariki and rangatahi to take part in physical activity opportunities by providing the financial assistance they need to cover all or some of the cost of registration fees for sport. The fund is open to young sports lovers in Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough, Buller and Kaikōura.

Applications can be made through clubs or organisations that have registered with Sport Tasman. Each child is allowed two applications per year with the fund providing $30 per application for five to 12 year olds and $50 per application for 13 to 18 year olds.

Lesley McIntosh, GM Community Outcomes of Sport Tasman explains:

Sport Start is a localised fund. To have a local organisation such as NBS support our kaupapa and mission of reducing inequitable barriers to participate in physical activity is exciting. The costs associated with our tamariki and rangatahi taking part in sport is a real barrier for many whānau and Sport Start provides an opportunity to ease some of this burden.  Enabling youth to participate in physical activity is a must as the benefits to their overall wellbeing and connections are invaluable. We love that NBS values this too.  To say we are looking forward to our partnership with NBS, to enable tamariki and rangatahi from across the region to access and enjoy physical activity, is an understatement.”

NBS General Manager Commercial, Howie Timms, echoes the sentiment of Sport Tasman:

We are so pleased to be working with Sport Tasman on this new sponsorship.  We both see that this funding will remove some financial barriers that will enable more rangitahi to participate in sport.  We know that physical activity leads to better health and mental wellbeing outcomes, so we are delighted to be involved.”

To find out more about the Sport Start fund and how to make an application, visit the Sport Tasman website sporttasman.org.nz or email admin@sporttasman.org.nz