Balance is Better – Raising good sports

A presentation from Selwyn Sports Trust, in conjunction with Sport Canterbury and Rolleston College, to debunk the myths around what causes future sporting success for our young people.

We want all our young people to be lifelong participants in sport, physical activity and active pursuits, which means we need to ensure we provide them with the best environments to participate in. Through our guest speakers you will hear about real experiences and the ways in which you can have a positive influence on your young person’s experiences.

We are fortunate to be able to bring you four amazing guest speakers; Andrew Ellis, Oska Baynes, Grace Brooker and Geni Tuilagi. For a small donation (we encourage $2-$5 per person) you can learn from these legends and connect with others in the Selwyn Community.

Andrew Ellis - Andrew made his first class cricket debut for Canterbury in the 2002-03 season. In his illustrious professional career of over 17 years, Andrew has donned the red and black (and purple) almost 350 times across all 3 formats. Andy has also represented New Zealand on 20 occasions making his debut in 2012 (15 ODI’s and 5 T20I’s). A dream of his which took a decade of hard work, consistent performances, injury setbacks and grit after first making his 1st class debut to achieve this goal. The genuine all-rounder has captained Canterbury and has twice been awarded New Zealand Cricket's Domestic Player of the Year.

Oska Baynes – Oska is a husband, father, business owner and professional runner. He is a decorated New Zealand athlete with many titles and accomplishments to his name both on the track and road. Most recently Oska became the first male athlete to win all three distances at the Christchurch Marathon event (10km, half marathon & full marathon). He has represented New Zealand over the half marathon distance at the Oceania Championships and has recently been selected in the New Zealand team for the World Championships over the same distance which takes place at the end of March. Oska and his wife also own the Frontrunner Colombo store, which prides itself on providing unrivalled service, guidance and support to the community of runners, walkers, fitness enthusiasts, and swimmers in Canterbury.

Grace Brooker – Grace is one of the most recently contracted Black Ferns and earned her first cap in 2019 coming off the bench against Australia at Eden Park. She is a true professional who works tirelessly on all aspects of her game and the rewards she has experienced have all been very much well deserved. While at CGHS Grace was often found at openside flanker, before shifting to the outside backs and more recently the midfield in the open women’s grade. She is now a regular fixture in the Canterbury Farah Palmer Cup starting team, starting on the wing in 2017 before moving to centre in 2018 and 2019, all three seasons being Championship winning.

Geni Tuilagi – Geni joined Netball Mainland as a Coach Lead/Development Manager after 14 years with the Department of Corrections. In 2018, Geni was promoted to the position of Community Netball Manager and most recently has been appointed as the General Manager – Community & Pathways. Geni has been immersed in netball from an early age, she has played, coached and mentored coaches for many years and the Mainland Zone is fortunate to have her knowledge and expertise leading the community game.

Come along for an informative evening!

Please note: Finger food will be served from 6pm, with complimentary tea and coffee also available. Any profits from the night will go towards sports equipment and team costs at the College.