Lighting up the greens

The distinctive chime of golf clubs connecting with ball, or in some cases a lack of, on the Omanu fairways means just one thing for NZ Blue Light – raising funds to help 'at risk youths” in the community.

Handcuffs and batons made way for golf clubs yesterday as NZ Blue Light aimed to continue helping disadvantaged young people and breaking down barriers between youth and police throughout the Bay of Plenty – the first time such a golf tournament was be held.


Taking a swing to raise money for NZ Blue Light.

Each year NZ Blue Light holds a number of Life Skills and Leadership camps helping youth participate in positive recreation and social activities, in turn reducing the chance of them getting trouble with the law or taking part in potentially harmful activities such as drinking alcohol to excess.

The costs of the course – $1000 per child – are funded by Blue Light, with a family donation of $150, if they can manage it. The Defence Force provides a facilitator and three police officers take part in each camp.

NZ Blue Light chief executive Rod Bell says the inaugural tournament, held at Omanu Golf Club, will help continue this proud tradition of with all funds raised put aside for the 2015 intake of participants.

The event with the help of Recreational Services, facilitating all sporting grounds for Tauranga City Council, is one of four in the North Island – Auckland, North Auckland and Whangarei.

'Because it is the first year we are starting off with a smaller number but we hope it will grow year by year as a people enjoy the day and ultimately raise some funds to have a real impact on local people through the Bay area.

Run in partnership with the NZ Police and NZ Defence Force, the week-long camps provide teenagers aged 14-17 with life skills nationwide and held in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

While involved participants take part in paintball, bush craft, confidence courses, swimming and camping. They are also given 'leaderless” tasks that involve practical problem solving and competing among each other to complete a challenge.

Rod says, research shows activity basededucation is the perfect vehicle to developyoung people. Taking young people awayfrom the distractions of everyday life has proven to be extremely effective in teaching ways to improve and manage their lives moving forward.

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