Through Sport Canterbury, over 200 community organisations and 45 Regional Sporting and Recreation Organisations facing financial hardship as a result of Covid-19 have accessed short-term relief as part of Sport NZ's Community Resilience Fund.

Through this experience, the Sport Canterbury team gained a deep insight into the scale of issues facing sport and recreation organisations struggling to overcome financial hardship.

“We received feedback from West Coast Rugby for example, that a considerable burden has been lifted with the allocation of funding to their sport through this process,” says Sport Canterbury Chief Executive Julyan Falloon.

“The stress and anxiety caused by financial pressures is impacting our sporting leaders and volunteers to the extent they can’t even sleep at night.”

In providing short-term relief, organisations can focus on preparing to deliver quality experiences, a key ingredient for the resilience and recovery of young people and families affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The issues facing families are massive, and sport has a significant role to play, in making sure our communities can look after their mental and physical wellbeing.”

Comments from Lake Mahinapua Aquatic Club - find out more

Comments from Hockey South Canterbury - find out more

Sport New Zealand Community Resilience Fund - find out more