The Selwyn Sports Trust is excited to announce a new partnership with Tamai Sports for the 2027 Arbor Green Selwyn Stampede.

For the first time, Stampede runners and walkers will have the opportunity to use their event journey to support a cause they care about, with Tamai Sports as one of two charities being promoted through the event’s fundraising initiative.

Participants can create their own fundraising page, share their story with friends, whānau and colleagues, and raise funds for their chosen charity as they prepare for and complete the Stampede. They can also make a direct donation, or simply skip the fundraising option altogether.

For Tamai Sports, the partnership provides an opportunity to shine a light on the mahi they are doing with tamariki across East Christchurch.

Tamai Sports Programme Director Matt deVries says the organisation was delighted to be selected as one of the Stampede’s promoted charities.

“When Mitch got in touch and told us that Tamai Sports had been selected, we were absolutely stoked. It’s a really cool opportunity for us to share what we do with a wider audience and hopefully connect with people who want to get behind our mahi.

“We work with tamariki across East Christchurch, using sport and physical activity to help create connection, confidence and opportunities for young people who may face barriers to getting involved in sport.

“Having the Stampede community behind us and giving participants the opportunity to raise funds for Tamai is something we’re incredibly grateful for.”

The partnership also has a strong natural alignment between the two organisations. Both Tamai Sports and Selwyn Sports Trust use physical activity as a vehicle to create positive experiences, build connection and support young people.

Selwyn Sports Trust Executive Officer Mitch Prendergast says that shared kaupapa made Tamai Sports a natural organisation for the Trust to partner with.

“What Tamai Sports is doing really resonated with us. At SST, we use physical activity as the vehicle for positive youth development and building connected communities, and Tāmai are doing something very similar through their mahi in East Christchurch.

“They might be working in a different part of the region, but there’s a really strong alignment in what we’re trying to achieve. We’re both using sport and physical activity to create opportunities and make a positive difference in the lives of young people.

“We’re really excited to use the platform we have through the Selwyn Stampede to help shine a light on that mahi.”

The fundraising initiative is being delivered through Grassrootz, giving participants an easy way to create their own fundraising page or donate directly to a charity.

Prendergast says the initiative is about giving participants another way to make their Stampede experience meaningful.

“We’ve never wanted fundraising to be a requirement of entering the Stampede. It’s simply another opportunity we can give our runners and walkers.

“If you’re already training for a 5.25km, 10.5km or Half Marathon, why not use that journey to support something you care about? You can set up a page, tell people why you’re supporting a particular charity and see where it takes you.

“Or you can make a donation, or just get on with your Stampede and enjoy the day. It’s completely up to you.

“For us, it’s a small way that the Trust and the Stampede can use our platform to support organisations doing great things in our communities.”

The 2027 Arbor Green Selwyn Stampede takes place on Sunday 21 February, with runners and walkers completing the fast, flat course through the Arbor Green subdivision in Rolleston.

Whether you’re chasing a PB, taking on your first event, or simply getting active with friends and whānau, your Stampede can now help make a difference beyond the finish line too.

Every kilometre counts. Every donation helps. And together, we can help make those kilometres go a little further.

Article added: Monday 07 September 2026