Six Silver Ferns have been visiting netball Centres around the country to give thanks to the hundreds of volunteers who support the game throughout New Zealand.
Last month, Silver Ferns Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Sam Winders, Claire Kersten, Karin Burger, Jamie Hume and Ameliaranne Ekenasio visited centres in Rotorua, Tauranga, Christchurch, North Canterbury, North Harbour and Wellington to deliver chocolate thanks packs with Netball New Zealand’s official volunteer partner, Cadbury.
The Silver Ferns had an opportunity to mingle with their local netball community – for autographs, photos and to chat with the next generation of netballers – and also to present the Centre’s Cadbury Volunteer of the Month award in person.
Netball NZ Volunteer Advocate, Jenna Murie, said it was important to recognise the work that volunteers did for the game and thanked Cadbury and the Silver Ferns for playing their part in giving back to their local netball communities.
“Volunteers are the backbone of netball in New Zealand,” she said. “We all have a story about someone who helped or inspired us. We all know those people who are always giving their time and making sure that the game happens, including the Silver Ferns.
“We know that volunteers don’t get involved for the recognition, but it’s been wonderful that, thanks to Cadbury, the Silver Ferns are able to step into their local community and say thank you to a dedicated volunteer who is making the game happen.”
Murie said by celebrating the volunteers in the game, it recognised the impact they made and increased the visibility of volunteering in Netball.
Christchurch Netball Centre Manager, Megan McLay, agreed and said it was great to be able to say thank you to the many volunteers who helped run the game and for both the Silver Ferns and Cadbury to pay tribute to them.
“They are vital, and our Centre couldn’t run efficiently without them,” she said. “And to be able to recognise them with Cadbury chocolate is really nice – everyone loves chocolate.
“Having the Silver Ferns take part is great for our community to be able to connect with the stars of our game. They are very aspirational for our players and volunteers.”