KAIAPOI SOFTBALLERS CAN'T STOP SMILING
You just can’t keep the smiles off the faces of Kaiapoi Softball Club (KSC) members. This week the 108-strong club received brand new uniforms of black and gold tops and black knickerbockers, all thanks to a $7000 grant from NZCT (New Zealand Community Trust). "NZCT is the biggest funder of amateur sport in New Zealand and we’re proud of it," says Stephen. "We know how difficult it is for small clubs to stay afloat, so we were pleased to be able to help these local softballers. "At NZCT we are mindful of returning funds generated through our gaming machines, back to the communities where they were raised," he says. "So I’d like to thank the publicans who helped make this grant possible."
Club President Wayne Richardson says the uniforms will give players a great sense of identity and pride.
"The kids can’t stop smiling," says Wayne. "Compared to what we wore last season, these uniforms are fantastic. And looking smart and professional is going to give our club such a huge boost."
Softball is popular with all ages and abilities and no more so than in T-ball. KSC has had significant growth within the junior club with four teams (two mixed teams of under 7 year olds, one girls under 9 years and one boys under 9 years) now playing at South Hagley Park in Christchurch on Saturday mornings. Also part of the junior club is a girls under 13 team, a boys under 13 team and a new girls under 19 Rookie team.
Senior club membership has also grown with two women’s teams, one senior men’s team and a popular social mixed team. Senior competition is usually played on Saturday afternoons in Christchurch too.
KSC’s home ground is Murphy Park in Kaiapoi and playing in the Canterbury competition means a lot of travelling each weekend, especially for one of the T-ball teams which is based in Rangiora. But Wayne says it’s all worth it when KSC is represented with such enthusiasm and passion.
"There’s a lot involved in running a sports club," says Wayne. "We have to organise teams, coaching, competitions, travel and uniforms. Thankfully we have a very supportive committee and a great bunch of parents who are working hard to develop and grow the club.
"The committee members are all totally passionate about sport," he says. "Our goal is to keep kids active, healthy and busy. We did lots of fundraising during the off-season – but it’s a really hard slog to raise enough money to keep the club functioning. This grant from NZCT has taken a huge weight off our shoulders. We really appreciate their support and can’t wait to christen the uniforms this weekend."
Stephen Boock, chairperson of NZCT’s Canterbury Regional Advisory Committee, says the trust was only too happy to help.
