The one feature, above all, that will stay with me for a long time is the quality people I have been privileged to work with.
The main aim of our association is to provide opportunities for pupils of all abilities to be involved in a variety of sports, as we believe that sport offers many important life skills in developing the well rounded person.
The pupil survey we completed in conjunction with the University of Otago in 2010 made it very clear to us why pupils wanted to be involved in sport. More than 90% of those surveyed stated three main reasons: to have fun, to play with their mates and to lead a healthy lifestyle.
The programmes the Otago Secondary Schools Sports Association deliver are very much centred round these three outcomes, and that is one of the main reasons our participation rate of pupils has steadily increased.
We are fortunate here in Otago to have principals who promote sport in their school and sports co-ordinators who are totally committed to their roles. One of the real highlights for me has been working positively with these two groups of people, enhancing the quality of the delivery of sport in our schools, and introducing more pupils to sport.
The country schools deserve special mention. Because of their isolation, they do not have the resources, particularly in terms of competitions, to provide the same opportunities as the town schools.
However, their commitment to offer their pupils a variety of sports, which often involves considerable travel, is a credit to them and their communities.
The positive relationships we have developed between our town and country schools has been pleasing, with all schools benefiting from this regular interaction.
I have been extremely proud to have been associated with secondary school sport in Otago and I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the many people who have contributed so much of their time to ensure our pupils are given the opportunities they deserve.
A special thank you to Geoff Rodden, my assistant for the past four years, for his loyalty and support. We wish him well in his future career.
