On 15th June our Dreamers at Tikipunga High School had the privilege of meeting and hearing inspirational stories from 10 Black Fern NZ Women’s Rugby players along with Black Ferns Coaches Wayne Smith and Wes Clarke.
“It all started when Black Fern Renee Wickliffe contacted us with an interest in volunteering”, says I Have a Dream Volunteering and Mentoring Manager Kirsty Pillay-Hansen. “Renee told me she wanted to give back and support a local community organisation on her day off from training and preparation before their recent game against the USA. Throughout the morning before the afternoon Renee was due to visit us, we received updates that more and more of the team were wanting to join her. Next thing we knew we had 12 of the Black Ferns rocking up to visit our I Have a Dream After School Programme!.”
The Black Ferns were welcomed by I Have a Dream staff and told about the background and kaupapa of our programme. We had a large group of our years 7, 8 and 9 Dreamers from Tikipunga High School and Te Kura o Otangarei come to meet them. After some introductions and energizing activities together, the Black Ferns generously answered questions from our Dreamers.
“The whole afternoon was really inspiring for our Dreamers”, says Kirsty Pillay-Hansen. The Black Ferns coaches and players were very humble, down to earth and so friendly to our kids. They answered their questions openly and honestly. The kids loved the afternoon and we were so grateful that the Black Ferns made the time to come and visit us.”
In follow up to the visit a number of our Dreamers made it a priority to watch the game with their whānau and some of our Dreamers got to meet Black Ferns again after the game. Huge thanks to the Black Ferns players and coaches for taking time out of their busy schedules to inspire our Dreamers!
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