Ngā Puna Wai continues to create opportunities for new sports and organisations to utilise its world-class facilities, welcoming the delivery of primary school pickleball and social tennis lessons by Kelly Sports this summer.

Pickleball is a fast-growing game and a great introduction to racket sports like tennis and badminton, and is a more structured version of paddle tennis, which many children have been introduced to at primary school.
 

The partnership between Kelly Sports and Ngā Puna Wai was formed when Partnership and Activation Manager, Katrina Mansfield, reached out to Kelly Sports Owner, Steve Potter about making the most of the tennis courts in off-peak periods.

“We thought that was a great idea, and so applied for the Tū Manawa fund to get some sessions going down there specifically for primary-aged girls,” says Potter.

Sport New Zealand’s Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa fund is managed and administered across the country by Regional Sports Trusts (including Sport Canterbury). It was launched six months ago to help meet the needs of young people by breaking down barriers to participation.

Tū Manawa funding has enabled Kelly Sports to offer the Monday/Wednesday/Thursday afternoon sessions free of charge from 22 February, to promote wider participation.

“It’s about introducing pickleball to girls as a new sport, which is growing in the North Island and allowing them to have a go at a racket sport similar to tennis which traditionally sees more boys playing,” says Kelly Sports Coach Rhys Weaver.

It’s the first time Kelly Sports have hosted sessions at Ngā Puna Wai, and they are embracing the opportunity at this city’s new home of sport and recreation.

“It’s got a lot of space, all the facilities are brand new, it just looks so inviting. When the kids come and play here, they feel more energised,” says Weaver.
 

Details
Have a Go sessions – Ngā Puna Wai
Starting from 22 February, for six weeks
Location - Ngā Puna Wai tennis courts

Pickleball (primary-aged girls only) from 3:30 to 4:30 - free
Tennis (primary-aged girls and boys) from 4:30 to 5:30 – $5/session
Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
All Equipment provided
Register online at www.kellysports.co.nz/christchurch-south-west and search for Ngā Puna Wai

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Article added: Monday 01 March 2021