On Tuesday 18th September Sport Waikato spent the day helping out in the community as part of its ‘Good Sorts for Sport’ community day. 

Applications were received from sports clubs, organisations and schools across the Waikato region, and this year Sport Waikato gave their time to three very worthy projects at Maramarua School, Thames Valley Hockey Turf Society Inc and Thames Squash Club.
 
All Sport Waikato staff worked on the projects, which ranged from helping to build a BMX track and garden at Maramarua School, to painting, prepping and handyman jobs at the other two locations.
 

Sport Waikato chief executive Matthew Cooper said the day was about getting the staff together as a team, giving back to the community and helping our schools and clubs to inspire and enable more people to be out there and active.

"We’re really doing what thousands of amazing people do every day for schools and clubs – we’re volunteering our time to help ensure that sport and physical activity is accessible for all. What we’ve been able to achieve in just one day is incredible and it’s so gratifying to see the difference we’ve been able to make as an organisation – all thanks to the hard work and willingness of our staff.”
 
Cooper said the organisations and schools really do rely on the ‘good sorts’ in their community – those that put up their hand to volunteer their time, and they can always do with more volunteers.

“Volunteers are the real backbone of our communities – the ones who donate their valuable time to make a difference. Sports clubs and associations, schools and community organisations are always looking for more volunteers; it’s a great feeling to be able to ‘do good’ in the community.”

More than 20 applications were received to be recipients of the Good Sorts for Sport project, from as far away as Coromandel and Taupo, and Cooper would like to challenge other organisations to take on some of the remaining applications.
 
"It has been very difficult to narrow down to just three projects – these clubs, schools and organisations would so appreciate any help that businesses could offer. If we can get together as a community to lend a hand, we can make a real difference to helping our region to be more physically active," he said.
 
If your organisation would like to find out how you can help with a community project, please email info@sportwaikato.org.nz or call 07 858 5388.