FEATURE

Local rugby clubs thanked by Lotto Sport Makers

By Sport Wellington

Johnsonville Rugby Club and Poneke Rugby Club are the latest recipients of Sport Wellingtons good practice award. The clubs will both receive $1000 worth of ‘Sport Makers’ sporting goods as part of the ‘Thank a Sport Maker’ campaign. Sport Wellington acknowledges the clubs for demonstrating outstanding teamwork and companionship, on and off the field.

The Johnsonville Mud Dogs U9 team coaches, Matt McEwan and Scott Mudgway, were recently thanked by the Poneke Dolphins for their encouraging attitude to both teams when the clubs competed last week.

Maria Moananu posted on behalf of the Poneke Dolphins, referring to one of the coaches, “as a parent and past manager of the team, we couldn’t help but notice how awesome he was, not only to his team but ours. His actions were acknowledged not only by the parents but our kids as well who wanted to award him the ‘Player of the Day’ at the end of the game – with beaming smiles!”

“Your actions spoke volumes. Thank you for celebrating our kids as if it were your own team. That's what it’s all about – the kids!” Moananu added.

McEwan and Mudgway, who only began coaching junior rugby this year, have a strong philosophy around having fun and teamwork.

This recognition is part of the ‘Thank a Sport Maker’ campaign; a partnership with the Lotto Volunteer Foundation and Sport New Zealand that will see the greater Wellington region sharing in over $1 million of quality clothing and sports gear to be awarded to Sport Makers throughout New Zealand over the next three years.

Sport Wellington recognises Sport volunteers (or Sport Makers) are the lifeblood of New Zealand sport and over 750,000 Sport Makers give 50 million hours of their time annually to keep our world class sport system humming.

“It’s important to acknowledge the contribution of Sport Makers and this partnership with Lotto New Zealand helps us recognise our wonderful Sport Makers throughout New Zealand communities,” says Sport Wellington Community Sport Advisor, Tania Bartley.

People can show their appreciation for the Sport Makers who blow a whistle, coach, balance the books or help cook the sausages for the fundraising BBQ, by sending a thank you e-card available at lottovolunteers.co.nz. Every nomination is in the draw to win a $500 merchandise voucher.