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Athletics Auckland Junior Section Innovation Fund
The Innovation fund was created to assist Auckland Junior Athletics clubs recover from the season 2021/2022 that saw a significant reduction in athletes registering and participating in athletics due to the impact of Covid 19. There was a reduction of over 2000 athletes last season in Auckland alone.
The Innovation fund is from money raised by the Auckland Junior section which has been held in Term Deposit funds with the intention of it being used to promote Auckland Junior Athletics.
The Junior Athletics committee agreed that now is a good time to utilise this money to support clubs with activities and promotions specifically targeting an increase in athlete registrations. The Athletics Auckland Board supports the initiative.
The criteria that clubs needed to demonstrate to be eligible for the Innovation fund included: affiliation to Athletics NZ and Auckland Athletics, attendance at an ANZ workshop on 28 Aug at the John Walker Lounge, intention of operating in the 2022/23 season, and participation in activities specifically targeting an increase in club membership and registration. The fund is not intended for the purchase of equipment or paying for coaches.
The Innovation fund panel consisted of Hamish Meacham and Fiona Maisey of Athletics NZ, Bryce Hall- Auckland Athletics Board Chairman and Leigh Keefe-Auckland Junior Convenor. Athletics New Zealand did not contribute to the fund. However, they have committed to supporting Auckland Junior athletics with the promotion, advertising, and provision of 2 workshops to assist and support clubs.
All Clubs were either advised of the Innovation fund by attending the monthly delegate’s meeting or were called directly beforehand and encouraged to participate in the workshop and apply to the fund
Individual clubs were advised of the outcome of the decisions on Fri 9th September.
Leigh Keefe
Athletics Auckland Junior Section Convenor
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