It’s not everyday students get to learn from and interact with notable New Zealand athletes.
That’s why it was a “special opportunity” when students from Paeroa College got to do just that at a leadership event in Rotorua last month.
A group of Paeroa College students, including year 11 students Finn Casey and Rianna Muraahi, attended the Isport Foundation Leadership Day on August 14 at the Government Gardens Unison Arena.
The Isport Foundation was founded in 2009 by ex-All Blacks Dan Carter and Richie McCaw, with a focus on inspiring youth through sport, and at the leadership event students were able to hear from the two founders as well as paralympic swimming great Dame Sophie Pascoe.
Paeroa College year 11 student Finn Casey told The Profile one thing that stood out to him was Dan Carter’s message about perseverance.
The 15-year-old also said it was “surreal” to meet Dan in person as he was his favourite All Black.
“He talked about how once he became an All Black, all he dreamed of was to be in a winning World Cup team. However, despite going through massive setbacks when he tore a muscle in his groin whilst kicking balls at practice, ruling him out of the 2011 World Cup, he persevered through to 2015 and ended up getting man-of-the-match,” he said.
“It taught me to push hard through everything I do and just get to that end goal, whether that be getting through school assessments, persevering on the hockey field or even just getting out of bed in the morning.”
Meanwhile, 17-year-old Rianna said Dame Sophie Pascoe’s message stood out to her.
“She gave me a clearer insight into how to take on a good load every day and not stress out too much about certain activities.”
But the highlight of Rianna’s day was “definitely” when she met Dan Carter and Richie McCaw.
“I got to listen to both [of] their stories and how they became the best of the best in the world.”
When it came to leadership qualities, Rianna said an important one she valued was making people feel included and creating a safe environment.
“It’s important to me not to judge people but to build people up. I’ve learned the value of commitment and discipline in everyday challenges through life and want to inspire others with these values.”
Meanwhile, Finn believed although he was a keen listener and pretty decent when analysing situations, he said he needed development in the area of communicating his ideas.
His advice for students who would like to take part in a leadership day was simple: make the most of it.
There are so many opportunities to meet people and listen to life and leadership advice, he said.
