Unison gets behind side-line behaviour programme
Electricity distributor Unison Networks has announced it will partner with Sport Hawke’s Bay as part of the side-line behaviour programme, Be Part of the Team.
Formed in 2014 through a partnership of local sports codes, Sport Hawke’s Bay and EIT, the programme aims to support positive experiences for youth in sport by raising awareness of adult behaviour and attitudes on the side-lines of the region’s sports fields and courts.
Sport Hawke’s Bay Community Sport Manager Junior Armstrong says since its inception, the programme has grown from being focused on the side-line to a wider support programme for parents.
“Children love being active and playing sport, therefore the programme is designed to support parents to help their child enjoy sport – and the side-line is only part of the picture. It also includes in the car ride between games, encouraging children to try multiple sports, and helping them to enjoy sport purely for their reasons for playing,” Mr Armstrong says.
“This natural progression means it is timely to welcome new partner, Unison, to the programme.”
Under its Greatest Supporter programme, Unison has proudly supported junior sport in Hawke’s Bay for the past 11 years. The programme reaches over 10,000 children through its involvement with junior rugby, netball, hockey and football, encouraging participation in sport and providing financial assistance and/or sports equipment along with the infamous Greatest Supporter kit bags.
Unison Relationship Manager Danny Gough says Unison is pleased to partner with Sport Hawke’s Bay through its Be Part of the Team programme.
“This partnership will help Unison develop closer relationships with more of our customers and better understand their needs while at the same time supporting active, healthy children in Hawke’s Bay,” Mr Gough says.
“It’s also a great opportunity for us to deliver electrical safety messages to our young people and educate them on how to stay safe around Unison’s network.”
Unison will work alongside Sport Hawke’s Bay this year to encourage positive side-line behaviour – targeting parents/caregivers who are supporting their children – through tips, social media competitions and on-site activations at events, along with other key initiatives.
More information on the Be Part of the Team programme can be found on Sport Hawke’s Bay's website.
