Youth Week events for rangatahi

Sport Whanganui is proud to celebrate Youth Week with events that highlight connection, leadership and wellbeing for rangatahi across our community.

Youth Week is a nationwide campaign that amplifies youth voices and the contributions they make every day. This year, it runs from 18-24 May under the theme “Our Voices Matter, We Deserve to Be Heard”.

The celebrations kick off with a special edition of Women Who Lead, our monthly event series delivered in partnership with Women’s Network Whanganui. This session features Riana Tamati, an inspiring rangatahi and founder of The Zone, a space dedicated to nurturing whānau, culture and wellbeing alongside movement, recovery and strength.

Women Who Lead takes place from 5.30pm on Tuesday 19 May at Barracks Sports Bar, and everyone is welcome to attend.

Later in the week, a major highlight is the return of Midnight Basketball, delivered in partnership with Whanganui Basketball. This free event creates a safe, high-energy late-night space for rangatahi aged 12 and over to be active, social and supported.

Midnight Basketball will be held at Springvale Stadium on Friday 22 May, with doors opening at 8pm and a range of games running through to midnight.

Throughout the night, participants can take a part in a range of activities, from 3×3 games and half-court play to shooting challenges with prizes and a dunk competition. There will also be open courts for those who just want to shoot hoops and have fun.

The atmosphere will be brought to life with music, MCs, prizes and giveaways, along with pizza to keep everyone fuelled. BYO basketballs is appreciated, some will be provided.

Paula Darlington, Sport Whanganui Rangatahi Lead, says safety and wellbeing are a top priority.

“Youth Week is about creating safe spaces where rangatahi feel seen, heard and empowered to be themselves.”

“Midnight Basketball is a great example of an event that is being driven by young people, with our YESS (Youth Empowering Sports Squad) Council actively involved in planning, promoting and running the event on the night. We will also have police-vetted volunteers and strong safeguarding practices in place to ensure a positive experience for all.”

To register, head to the events page on the Sport Whanganui website: sportwhanganui.co.nz/events.

For any enquiries,  contact Paula at Sport Whanganui paula@sportwhanganui.co.nz.

We encourage our secondary school rangatahi to come along, get involved, and be part of the energy this Youth Week.