Nick Chambers Fundamentals Team Leader Sport Bay of Plenty

It's hard to believe that the Kiwisport fund is over three years old, however for Sport Bay of Plenty and 34 schools around the Bay of Plenty, this fund has meant a considerable change in the approach to the delivery of skill is schools.

As we approach the third year of GO4it, I reflect on the positives of the programme since its inception back in 2011.

As each year passes GO4it grows closer and closer to its key objectives – developing a more fundamentally skilled and aware community.

This growth comes from harnessing the passion of more local, regional and national sporting organisations to deliver high quality activities and programmes to our students, teachers, parents, coaches and volunteers. I think the growth of the programme is testament to the quality product that it uses to deliver on our key messages.

As with all projects we are bound financially by what we can deliver, however we are actively looking at ways in which we can begin to intensify our work with our most needy and create supporting and mentoring roles for our schools that have been with us from the start.

GO4it has continued to experience key increases in skill development amongst our students, couple this with more intense work with teachers and coaches to raise the awareness of fundamental skills in children and what we have is a community that have the choice to participate in any sport they like – a benefit that is lifelong.

It is very pleasing to report that the initial findings suggest we are on track for a significant increase in skill development amongst our students.

This is reflective of the hard work of many people within our community who have the interests of our tamariki at heart. To be able to tangibly see the increases in students abilities to catch a ball, strike an object or run and swim efficiently is a sure fire sign that GO4it is well on track to ensuring that Bay of Plenty children are developing fundamental skills that lead to lifelong participation in sport and recreation.

The programme will continue to run for a three year period and Sport BOP is committed to GO4it as a long term prospect for schools in our region.