A play space for years to come

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Chertsey School pupils and Basketball Mid Canterbury operations manager Summer Anderson test out the new play space. at the school. PHOTO HEATHER MACKENZIE
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There will be no more skinned knees during physical education or play at Chertsey School thanks to a new multi sport court ground.

It’s a creation that will benefit the school’s tamariki and community for many years to come, school principal Claire Maria said during its official opening ceremony.

She described the court as a vision turned to reality after the school board set a goal to create an inclusive, fun, and vibrant environment where every child feels a strong sense of belonging and has access to high quality spaces for learning and play.

‘‘This court represents the final piece of that vision becoming reality,” Maria said.

Chertsey School principal Claire Maria welcomes parents and guests to the official opening of the new multi sport court. Below – Five-year-old Aizack Budioa and Matthew Bryant of Agright New Zealand, have ribbon cutting honours for the official opening of the new multi sport area. PHOTOS HEATHER MACKENZIE

Pupils and the wider community, were welcome to enjoy it out of school hours.

“We hope that it becomes a place where skills are developed, memories are created, and many hours of fun are shared.”

“Look after it, enjoy it, challenge yourselves, encourage one another and make the most of every opportunity it provides,” she said.

Maria said visions like this don’t happen alone, and made special mention of the courts naming sponsor Agright.

She said last year, Agright New Zealand operations manager Matthew Bryant gave her a call looking for a way the company could support the school.

A number of the company’s staff had children at the school.

“They loved the vision for this project and have committed to supporting us over the coming years, which we are incredibly grateful for,” Maria said.

She was thankful to the company and others who had contributed, supported, encouraged and believed in what the school project was trying to achieve.

‘‘You have helped create something that will benefit our tamariki and community for many years to come,” she said.

Formalities over, it was time for the Chertsey pupils to try out their new court. PHOTO HEATHER MACKENZIE