Port picks up naming rights for city team

The Dawn Princes cruise ship pictured in the Napier Port. Photo / Glenn Taylor

The Napier Port has become naming-rights sponsor for the team of teens representing Napier at the 48th International Children's Games in Australia this year.

The port is supporting the Napier City Council-led initiative as part of its thrust to boost the education and development opportunities for children and local youth.

The Napier Port Children's Games team of 18 competitors, aged 12-15, was selected with the help of Sport Hawke's Bay and will be competing in swimming, BMX, sailing and football. The team's attendance at the games, being held at Lake Macquarie, New South Wales, from December 6-11, marks the first time New Zealand has been represented at the event.

Napier Port chief executive Garth Cowie wished the team every success and was sure they would represent Napier and the region with pride.

"This initiative sits alongside Napier Port's recently announced sponsorship of the MTG Hawke's Bay Education Suite and its renewed support of the Optimist Yachting Learn to Sail Programme over many years."

Napier Mayor Bill Dalton is leading the delegation to the games. The delegation will also include coaches for each of the codes.

Sport HB, Sport New Zealand and the council will investigate the opportunity to bring the games to New Zealand, and Napier in particular, in the future.

A fundraising drive includes a special three-course dinner and auction at the Thirsty Whale, Ahuriri, at 6.30pm next Monday, hosted by former All Black Norm Hewitt. To book, email glenys.fraser@napier.govt.nz.