Hayley Kerrison WBOP Primary School Sport Coordinator, Sport BOP

What could be a better way to finish the school term than attending the fun filled indoor sports days organised by Sport Bay of Plenty and Bay Leisure?

The Funky Fun Festivals and Days are designed for year 1 to year 4 students from Primary Schools throughout the Western Bay of Plenty and are held at the end of each of the four school terms.

The days are a fantastic opportunity to introduce these year groups to sport and for them to experience out of school sport events including the excitement of playing against teams from other schools. The younger groups (year 1 and 2's) receive some coaching prior to playing each game.

Teachers and umpires are encouraged to help all team members get involved in the games. Prizes are given for player of the day and another for sportsmanship in each team as well as a participation certificate to all children who take part.

The events are focused around getting more children participating in sport and introducing them to a range of indoor sports such as Ultimate Frisbee, Uni Hockey, Football, Miniball and Turbo Touch to name just a few. Schools can enter as many teams as they like although there is a maximum of teams that can attend on any one day.

In 2013 a total of 410 teams totalling 4100 year 1 to year 4 children attended Funky Fun Days. The numbers participating in the Funky Fun Days look to be on the increase, with 268 teams taking part so far in 2014.

A large number of the WBOP Primary Schools participate in these events, some attending once a year while others participate every term. Tahatai Coast School regularly attend the Funky Fun Days with a large number of children. Craig (teacher) says,

'We have been coming to Funky Fun for many years, and it is always one of the highlights of each term. The children enjoy the opportunity to try sports that they haven't tried before, and love competing against other schools. Funky Fun provides a real boost to our Physical Education programme, and encourages participation in school sports teams too.”

To find out more about the Funky Fun Days or sporting opportunities for primary school students in the WBOP please contact Hayley Kerrison, hayleyk@sportbop.co.nz or 027 474 6068.