Ake takes Tamariki Sports to Atiu

The ANZ Tamariki Sports Programme is heading to Atiu where programme leader Ake Hosea-Winterflood will conduct athletics and swimming lessons for the kids on the island.

Hosea, who is originally from Atiu, is thrilled to be returning to her home island to give back to the community.

This week the sport enthusiast picked up equipment, prizes and gifts for Atiu kids sponsored by ANZ Bank.

She will also deliver swimming goggles donated by Kerrie Wyan of Swim Station Australia as well as other swimming equipment donated by former Australian Olympics swimmer Lisa Curry who is also a regular visitor to the island for the annual Vaka Eiva Festival.

Over 70 kids are expected to take part in the week-long programme which Hosea will run on the island from August 31.

Hosea will begin the programme by delivering a ‘train the trainers’ course for teachers so they can continue to provide the best athletics and swimming lessons for the island kids after she has left the island.

Athletics courses and workshops will be held at Enuamanu School and just where the swimming lessons will be held is yet to be confirmed, although Hosea says that it will likely be held at Taungaroro or Taunganui beach, depending on sea conditions.

She feels that the Atiu harbour, where many locals go to swim, will be too deep for the little kids.

Hosea is looking forward to returning home with her pet programme and would like to thank all the sponsors of the sports programme including the International Athletics Association Federation (IAAF).

Meanwhile, Hosea hopes to deliver more ANZ Tamariki Sports Programme fun for kids on Rarotonga on her return from Atiu.