Nelson College Nets a Win with NZCT Ball Grant.

Nelson College’s gym shed is bursting at the seams with new sport balls thanks to a $14,731 New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) grant. With the NZCT grant the college has been able to purchase over 230 balls including for basketball, cricket, football, futsal, rugby, touch, and hockey.

Director of Sport Alethea Stove shares, "Sport at our school operates on a 'User Pays' basis, but the cost-of-living crisis has hit student’s families hard. We really want every student to be able to enjoy their favourite sports. So, thanks to NZCT's support, no one need miss out."

Students like Colin and David have been thrilled with the grant, Colin explains "It’s really good knowing we’ll be able to train with the same balls that we play with at tournaments," while David adds, "It’s so good to train with grippy rugby balls!"

Nelson College has an extensive sports programme offering 29 different sports and the high costs of sports balls poses challenges. Without this grant, the financial strain could have hindered many students' participation in sports.

NZCT’s GM for Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges adds “We hope all the students have a ball!. NZCT is grateful for the fundraising partnership we share with the Ocean Lodge Hotel that made our grant possible’’.