Kennards Hire Kids Sports Day: "This is the day of my life!"

On Wednesday 17 December, Kennards Hire, Inventus Cares Charitable Trust and Eden Park teamed up to treat 60 young athletes with the experience of a lifetime - a professional day of sport training at the famed Eden Park.

Made possible with the support from Counties Manukau Sport, the Kids Sports Day is a big part of Kennards Hire's lift up communities initiative, leaning into the ethos of empowering New Zealand's youth. This was the second year the Sports Day has run, with a successful debut in 2023. The Kids Sports Day was a day for sport, mentorship and unforgettable experiences. From the moment they arrived, the kids were treated to the full Eden Park experience. They were taken straight through the tunnel and into the players' changing rooms where New Zealand sporting greats have gathered for each match. There they were welcomed by Kennards Hire NZ General Manager (and Inventus Cares Director) Richard White, who spoke about confidence, dreaming big and soaking up the moment.

The kids were then taken back through the tunnel, where they decided to line up in two rows - just like before a real Eden Park match! - before walking out onto the iconic grounds, a move that thrilled them.

The day's activities kicked off on the Kennards Hire Community Oval with relays, passing and catching drills and games of tag and touch. Even the weather played ball, with shining sun and blue skies, perfect for the games and the sausage sizzle lunch that followed. The energy was infectious, and the smiles big.

The biggest highlight was a surprise visit from the Indigenous Australian South Sports Academy Youth Sevens Team, the Ella 7s. They trained and played with the kids for the afternoon, and also signed autographs, took photos, and gave each child a small gift, making their day.

The Ella 7s ended the program with an Aboriginal war dance, done in thanks. In return, the kids presented each player with a Kennards Hire league ball, before they closed the day with a heartfelt speech of learning and gratitude.

As one child exclaimed, tripping over her words in excitement, “this is the day of my life!” (sic) – a sentiment that Kennards Hire couldn’t agree more with.

Helping rangatahi reach new goals

As part of the wider Inventus Care Holiday Program, the Kids Sports Day aims to empower youth through sport, teaching leadership, teamwork and well-being skills that they can take beyond the game and into their futures. Similarly, Kennards Hire is strongly committed to doing its part in uplifting the community and creating opportunities where possible. The partnership with the Inventus Cares Charitable Trust is a natural fit to make these opportunities happen.

Due to continued funding challenges, Inventus Cares had to once again make the tough decision to cancel the wider holiday program, which is where Kennards Hire, Counties Manukau Sport and Eden Park came in to ensure that this one-day event could go ahead, continuing the mission to empower youth and nurture athletic growth.

“Sport is an integral part of Kiwi culture, and every child should have the opportunity to experience good training,” says Richard White. “It’s a privilege to be a part of this initiative, and we’re proud to create safe spaces where kids can grow their skills, confidence, and dreams – especially those who might not otherwise have these opportunities.”

For more information about Inventus Sports and Inventus Cares and its mission, please visit www.inventus.co.nz