Awards for council projects

From City Scene, published on 13 January, 2008

Fitness and wellbeing: the award-winning Never2old programme for older adults is available at eight council recreation venues.

Four Auckland City Council projects were celebrated at the 2007 New Zealand Recreation Awards.

The council's Ethnic Soccer Cup, held alongside 2007's Auckland Cultural Festival, received a highly commended award from the New Zealand Recreation Association.

The seven-a-side competition last February was a great success, with 350 participants in 32 teams made up of 26 different nationalities taking part. New Zealand Recreation Association CEO Brendon Ward says the competition was a great idea that brought many community benefits and had considerable potential. "The judges were especially impressed with the idea of teaming up with the cultural festival," he says. "Sport is a great way to cross cultural boundaries - this is a really positive event."

Two other council projects were commended in the awards - the use of film to enhance community planning, and the Schools Health Project 10 Week Challenge.

Film was used to capture community members' opinions about new recreation facilities, encouraging them to offer their ideas and stories in their own words.

The Schools Health Project 10 Week Programme, held in the new Otahuhu Recreation Centre and Youth Centre, helped overweight secondary students learn about weight loss and good health.

And the council-supported "Never2old" exercise programme won the SPARC Push Play Award. The programme, which runs at eight council recreation facilities, inspires older adults to improve their fitness and well-being through a resistance based exercise programme, educational seminars and a strong social element.

For more details about the programme, sponsored by Auckland City Council and AkActive, visit the website or phone 379 2020.