Bishop Viard’s newly established girls rugby team had the opportunity last week to train with some of the Hurricanes, as part of Challenge 2000’s community partnership with the Canes. The girls are motivated and excited to see their season get underway, so training in the school holidays was an important part of their team preparation. James Marshall, Wes Goosen and Salesi Rayasi came to their training session and participated in their drills, played some touch and finished off with a Q&A. The Canes noted the girls improved in just one training! Admiring their hard work with set pieces and understanding the game.
The BVC girls’ rugby team then had the opportunity to form the Guard of Honour for the Hurricanes vs Chiefs game the following night. The excitement levels were off the chart and the Canes performed very well to take home the win! Wes and Salesi’s tries were welcomed and the girls reflected they picked up some tips for running out on the wing! For a lot of the young people it was their first time to the stadium and to watch the Hurricanes live.
Following the game James and Salesi came over to the stands to thank the girls for their support – a very welcomed surprise. This highlighted the inspiring partnership Challenge 2000 has with the Hurricanes, encouraging young people to enjoy rugby, get out of their comfort zones and most importantly have fun!
On Friday 22nd March we gathered to share 2 minutes silence with the rest of NZ. We remembered those who were affected by the horrific attacks on Muslim community in Christchurch. We reflected on our feelings of grief, solidarity and love.
Last Friday 8 March the Hurricanes had their first home game of the season! We were given the opportunity to provide young people to form the Guard of Honour as the Canes and Highlanders ran on the field! Our tamariki were so excited, despite the wind and rain! They waved their flags furiously and cheered as the players ran on the field. Our resident artist Jacob Bang designed a Hurricanes inspired Challenge logo, also acknowledging International Women’s Day.
the championship final!
enjoyed their time with the inspiring Ardie Savea, Ben Lam and James Blackwell. The session focused on some skills training, some touch, a tour of the Hurricanes base and some photo ops & signing at the end! The young men left RLP absolutely buzzing, especially when Dane Coles showed up right at the end just in time for some photos! We can’t wait to host the Hurricanes whānau at our whare next time!
Love works is a motto you will often hear at Challenge 2000. We believe in going the extra mile to support young people, families and communities who are struggling. Our people and financial resources have been stretched this year, as our team worked with people struggling because of financial difficulties and mental health distress. The increased number of youth suicides impacted particular communities in which we work. So as we reached Christmas we were feeling pretty exhausted. 
Particular heart shots for us – the pensioner who donated hams for our hampers, the little girl who shared her dummy with baby Jesus, the Wellington Police who came with presents and Police puppies to share and to entertain, the family who had saved pocket money to buy healthy juices, the Catholic Priest who dropped off a $1000 cheque, the companies who deposited to our bank account and to the families who sponsored less well off families. Thank you, thank you, thank you! You probably have no idea the impact you have had on both Challenge 2000 and those whom we serve. When the end of the year was a matter of survival, you helped us celebrate and relax. 
Our Hurricanes balls are all pumped up and ready to go out in our Christmas hampers!! These guys are a bit past it to make it in the rugby world but our young ones aren’t! They will be working on their skills all summer 
