Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
1 day ago
EIT health and sport science students helped more than 3,000 Hawke’s Bay tamariki tackle the Mitre 10 Tough Kid Challenge last week.
Held over two days at Mitre 10 Park Hawke’s Bay, the annual event saw tamariki from across the region take on an obstacle course focused on participation, teamwork, and fun.
About 80 EIT students were involved across the two days, working across the course to guide and support participants.
EIT Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science Albert van Niekerk (left), Manny Gohil, Hannah Hibbert, Aimee Knight and Donnaya Nepe-Apatu supported children during the Mitre 10 Tough Kid Challenge.
Students came from across the Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science, NZ Certificate in Exercise (Level 4), and Services Pathway programmes.
Dr Sue Scott-Chapman, a Principal Academic Staff Member in the School of Health and Sport Science, says the event plays an important role in connecting students with the community.
“We work closely with Pip George and Tegan McGhie from Mitre 10, who lead the team delivering the event, along with the team at Sport Hawke’s Bay, and between us we’re able to deliver it each year.”
She says the event has grown significantly since EIT first became involved.
“When we started, we had a couple of students completing placements. Now we are supporting more than 3,000 participants over two days.”
Sue says the event provides a valuable opportunity for students to apply their learning in a real-world environment.
“They are out here motivating, supporting, and adapting to the needs of each child. These are skills you cannot replicate in a classroom.”
Students were responsible for overseeing obstacles, demonstrating activities, and ensuring participants moved safely through the course.
The event also places a strong emphasis on inclusion, with a dedicated session for students with disabilities and a focus on participation rather than competition.
“This is not about winning. It is about making sure every child finishes and feels successful.”
Sue says the event aligns closely with what EIT students are learning in class, particularly around health, physical activity, and community engagement.
“It connects directly to what we teach. It is about getting our students into the community and giving them the opportunity to put those skills into practice,” she says.
For many EIT students, the experience also comes full circle, with some having taken part in the event themselves as children.
“We now have students who did this event when they were younger coming back and supporting the next generation.”
