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Last modified: 14 Mar 2023 1:58pm

From training for national championships to running fun days, the Westview Special Fund has been helping hundreds of Darfield students get active in sport and learn life skills.

The Westview Special Fund is a fund run through the Council to support the Darfield community, by distributing funds established through the sale of land in Darfield.

At Darfield High School, funding has helped hundreds of students to take part in a huge range of sports from rugby, cricket, basketball and tennis through to endurance racing, dragon boating, Ki o Rahi and marching; along with mentoring and community activities.

Close up of William Pike speaking in Darfield High School hallDarfield High School Sports Coordinator Pip Deans says the fund has made a huge difference for the school’s students, running participation events at year 7 and 8 level and supporting senior students with coaching, mentoring and funding to attend  competitions.

“We would not be able to deliver the amount of sport we deliver, and we would not have the participation without that funding. Last year we sent 180 kids to Mash Tough Kids and we had 170 participants at the Koru Games.”

The funding is helping inspire students through a resilience programme — the William Pike Challenge, Mrs Deans says. Last week, students got the opportunity to hear from the man himself about his journey from national sports champion through losing a leg and going on to be an international explorer.

“The students have to do 20 hours community service, a passion project and play a sport they haven’t played. We have made it compulsory for all our Year 7s so everyone’s on the same level. Without the Westview funding we wouldn’t be able to support it.”

Funding is also helping the school run a range of programmes including a Water Wise swimming programme for students who aren’t confident in the water.

Applications for the last round of funding for the Westview Special Fund are now open until 30 April 2023 for projects showing a demonstrable social, economic, cultural or environmental benefit to the people of Darfield.

Applications should be emailed or hard copies posted for the attention of Therese Davel, on therese.davel@selwyn.govt.nz or Selwyn District Council, PO Box 90, Rolleston, 7643 by 30 April 2023.