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Regional | Softball

More kura kaupapa kids encouraged to play Softball

The National Secondary School Division 2 Softball tournament kicked off at Prince Edward Park in Auckland today, with 15 schools and 180 students competing. The competition has been going since the '80s, and one teacher says she hopes to see more kura Māori participating in the comp.

The breeding ground for star athletes and possibly the next future White Sox.

Softball coach Stephanie Smith says, “The tournament has a really good vibe to it the sportsmanship and the teams have been absolutely amazing and you can tell there's been a whole lot of fun going on and just some really good softball games and some close game as well.”

It’s Tologa Bay Area School's second time competing at the nationals. They may be small, but these haati naati are taking on some of Auckland's largest schools.

“One of things we want to do is build relationships and when we come to these competitions, to leave with better softball skills,” says participants Kahurangi Delamere- Tauira.

The ultimate goal for these schools is to make the Division One tournament. Softball development officer Stephanie Smith says the standards are definitely lifting each year.

'I think it's every school's drive to get up to that Div 1 tournament, with that goes continuous training to upskill themselves as a team. But I'd say every team has improved over the years and it’s good to watch,” says Smith.

Stephanie also says the game has definitely been growing in numbers. However, they are hoping to see more Māori schools competing in the event.

“In my opinion, softball needs to be introduced to other schools not only in Auckland, but also in places like Napier and the Easter Bay of Plenty region,”hei tā says participants Delamere- Tauira

Teacher Cynthia Sydney says it’s a good opportunity for kura kaupapa children, “We're hoping for more interest in the game and that more Māori schools will come along.”

Tologa Bay Area School missed out in this year's finals. However, Auckland's Mt Albert Grammar girls team and Mt Roskill Grammar boys team took out bragging rights for this year.