Hawke's Bay Canoe Polo gets $50k boost thanks to bequest in will

Babette Dasent's daughter Katy Kerins and Canoe Polo Hawke's Bay chairwoman Kelly Hepburn. Photo / Supplied

A Hawke's Bay sport enthusiast has left thousands of dollars to canoe polo in her will.

The outdoor aquatic facility at Mitre 10 Park, home of Canoe Polo Hawke's Bay, has received a $50,000 boost following a bequest in the will of Babette Dasent.

Babette's daughter Katy Kerins and granddaughters Georgia and Maddy, were on site for the unveiling of a plaque acknowledging the bequest, on Wednesday.

Mother and granddaughters of Babette Dasent, Katy Kerins, Georgia and Maddy. Photo / Supplied

Kerins said her mum loved coming down to the park and especially enjoyed the canoe polo venue.

"She was here for the opening and regularly came to watch our daughters either at this venue or at the netball courts.

"Our wider family is really pleased that she left money for such a great purpose."

Canoe Polo Hawke's Bay chairwoman Kelly Hepburn said the funding was a great boost for the club.

"It has enabled us to put concrete paving around the perimeter of the pond.

"We would not have been able to do this without Babette's bequest, so we are stoked."

This weekend, the venue will host the New Zealand Secondary School Championships, which is expected to attract 700 competitors.

The NZSSC will also be streamed live on the Sky Sport Next YouTube channel for a second year running.