'Thank a Sport Maker' campaign to acknowledge sports volunteers

A nationwide 'Thank a Sport Maker' campaign is recognising the hundreds of thousands of sport volunteers ('Sport Makers') who make sport happen in communities throughout New Zealand.

The campaign is part of a partnership between the Lotto Volunteer Foundation, Sport NZ and Regional Sports Trusts (RSTs) that will see over $1 million of quality clothing and sports gear awarded to Sport Makers throughout New Zealand over the next three years.

People can show their appreciation for the Sport Makers who blow a whistle, coach, balance the books or help cook the sausages for the fundraising BBQ, by sending a thank you e-card available at the Lotto Volunteers website

Sport Makers who receive a thank you e-card can then enter a monthly draw to win $500 worth of merchandise for them or their team, including netballs, rugby balls, soccer balls, team medical kits, cones and clothing. Nationally there will be 34 winners every month, with at least one winner from each RST region.

Sport NZ Chief Executive, Peter Miskimmin Explains "this campaign is all about acknowledging and rewarding sport volunteers nationwide those who blow a whistle, coach, balance the books or help cook the sausages for the fundraising BBQ.

"It builds on the great work that's already being done by our partners to support our wonderful volunteers who are the lifeblood of sport and literally make sport happen in our communities."

New Zealand netball star Katrina Grant has also been keen to get involved, acting as a Sport Maker Ambassador.

She explains "I wouldn't be where I am today without the help of a huge bunch of volunteers, going right back to my first day putting on a netball bib.

"Even at an elite level we rely on volunteers to make our games possible, with members of the score bench just one example.

"I'll be firing off plenty of Sport Maker thank you e-cards and I urge everyone involved in sport to do the same."

Lotto has been supporting New Zealand communities for 26 years, with over $3 billion in profits distributed to New Zealand arts, cultural, sporting and community organisations.

Each week Lotto players raise over $3.8 million for the community.

Sport NZ leads, enables and invests in sport on behalf of the government and is the largest recipient of Lotto grants, receiving $35 million this year which will be redistributed out to sports organisations throughout New Zealand.

Regional Sports Trusts work in partnership with Sport NZ at a regional level to strengthen and increase sport and recreation participation, and to promote volunteerism.

Over 750,000 Sport Makers give 50 million hours of their time annually to keep our world class sport system humming.

This partnership represents the first initiative to be announced as part of the Lotto Volunteer Foundation, which will see volunteer programmes developed across a wide range of community organisations in the future.

More information is available at www.lottovolunteers.co.nz

27th August 2012 - AWARDS RECOGNISE 800,000 VOLUNTEERS