Patrons support Junior Rugby through Super 14 initiative

Fifteen hundred dollars was raised to support local Junior Rugby and the legacy of the game thanks to a new ‘Patron’ initiative launched at Queenstown’s Super 14 game on Saturday (10 April) at Queenstown Events Centre.

Twenty-five locals bought the package, developed by Lakes Leisure in partnership with local businessman Sir Eion Edgar, which included a $60 donation to the club of their choice (Wakatipu, Arrowtown or Upper Clutha) destined to increase kids’ participation in the sport.

Wakatipu Junior Rugby Club secured $720 through its 12 patrons and the funds will be used to help families in need pay for season subscriptions. Arrowtown secured $660 from its 11 patrons which will be used to pay for the whole junior club’s away game transport costs for the season while Upper Clutha secured $120 for club transport from two Wanaka-based patrons.

Lakes Leisure Events and Communications Manager Karen Gemmell was thrilled with the support for the new patron packs.

“This will give kids opportunities they otherwise may not have had. The donation to support kids rugby as part of the pack was well received and the clubs will use the funds in the way they think will best increase participation. The patron packs also came with a bunch of exclusive hospitality benefits so it was a win-win for everyone.”

Wakatipu Junior Club Captain John Brooks says the support shown by the patrons will make all the difference to some children.

“Some families, particularly those with two or three kids, really struggle to pay for season subscriptions which might cost them up to $120. We really appreciate our patrons supporting our local kids and the future of the game through their generosity.”

Although the Highlanders went down to the Western Force 41-27, the Central Otago premier rugby curtain raiser was a tighter tussle with the Rilean Construction Wakatipu Premiers - looking very pretty in pink - beating Upper Clutha 16-10. It was the first outing for the Wakatipu team in their new pink uniform which they will wear at all home games this season to raise money for The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation. Funds raised on Saturday through the bar and crowd collection have not been tallied yet but are anticipated to be around $400.

Ms Gemmell was delighted with the response to a great day of rugby.

“While it wasn’t the result local fans were hoping for, it was a great day out for the 5,800 supporters who attended. With The Remarkables mountain range in the background and perfect blue-sky autumn weather, it was pretty special setting.

“We wanted the Super 14 match to be accessible and enjoyable for everyone so we ramped up the entertainment and hospitality around the game and it’s been a real success. Families, friends and rugby lovers came from near and far and really enjoyed the all-day nature of it. Lots of people came early to see the Premiers game and the Rippa Rugby and stayed on after the Super 14 game for the Pool Party at Alpine Aqualand. As we had hoped, people came and made a day of it,” says Ms Gemmell.

Ms Gemmell adds that one of the biggest successes of the day was the support from local businesses.

“We worked hard with our sponsors to bring the event to town and those partnerships were crucial - the event simply wouldn’t have happened without them. In particular, Good Group brought in the Nation Bar, Northern Southland took care of the transport logistics for us by getting the equipment to and from Wanaka, Invercargill and Christchurch, SJ Allen sponsored the supply of the Portaloos, Cougar Security sponsored the entertainment, and Destination Queenstown threw their weight behind it as well.”