Play cricket and see the world - that is how it is working out for Kavanagh College's 17-year-old deputy head prefect Michael Bracewell.
Having earlier this year played in Malaysia, where he was the youngest member of the New Zealand team which finished third in the Under-19 World Cup, Bracewell is now preparing to head to England.
A wicketkeeper-batsman, Bracewell is one of two Otago players named in the 15-strong New Zealand squad which leaves on July 16 to play England in two four-day matches and five one-dayers.
The other Otago player is left-arm spinner Nick Beard (18), an old boy of Kavanagh College.
The two train together and have played alongside each other since primary schooldays in school and representative sides.
Bracewell is looking forward to touring another country.
"Cricket has already taken me to Australia, Malaysia and Singapore," he said.
"Playing in Malaysia was a fantastic experience.
It is so different from Australia, with the interesting mix of cultures and religions.
The people were very friendly and helpful, and we were certainly well looked after."
Bracewell is excited by the prospect of playing in England where the itinerary takes the team to Canterbury, Hove, Taunton and Northampton.
Bracewell will not be involved in the four-day matches, which begin on July 26, and will instead be looking to play some club cricket, as he prepares for the one-day internationals starting on August 8.
The tour also gives him his first opportunity to play alongside his cousin Doug (Central Districts), the son of former New Zealand fast bowler Brendon Bracewell.
Both young Bracewells are nephews of New Zealand cricket coach and former international, John Bracewell.
Cycling
Brad Evans (Taieri College) is in the New Zealand under-17 team to compete in the Kowalaski Tour in Canberra this month.
The Kowalaski tour is the biggest event in Australia for junior riders and will feature Australia's top riders.
Evans recently finished second overall at the Te Awamutu tour in the under-17 section.
The Cycling Otago rider won a bronze medal in the individual pursuit at the national track championships in March and his time of 2min 23sec would have won the event in past years.
ConferenceThe first Sparc sports co-ordinators' conference was held at the Holy Cross Centre in Mosgiel on June 23 and 24.
A total of 56 sports co-ordinators from schools in the Aoraki, Otago and Southland regions attended the two-day conference.
The first day covered a combined presentation from Sparc and the Ministry of Education on youth, sport and recreation.
The afternoon session was centred around strategic planning.
The second day gave the sports co-ordinators opportunities to choose seminars from a variety of topics.
These conferences have been held throughout the country and judging by the positive feedback received, this conference may become an annual event.
Rugby
The only 15-a-side event in New Zealand for secondary schoolgirl rugby players will be held at St Kevins College in Oamaru this week.
Twelve teams will participate in the Girls Rugby Festival and Auckland Girls Grammar, one of the top three teams in that region, will make its first appearance.
From Dunedin, St Hildas and Taieri have entered teams.
In some instances the combined teams that play weekly have entered so Taieri will include Kaikorai Valley players.
St Hildas should be a strong team, with eight Otago schoolgirls representatives from 2007, and South Otago is in a similar position.
St Kevins and Waitaki Girls will also filed a combined team.
Other players from Dunedin and Oamaru will be involved as pool players and they will help out a team that might need another player due to a late withdrawal or injury.
Blue Mountain is the other Otago school entered and it has played in every festival, since it began in 2001.
Christchurch teams include Rangi Ruru and Christchurch Girls, which are potential semifinalists and St Margarets, which is always competitive.
Papanui and Avonside Girls make an appearance for the first time.
The semifinals will take place at 9am today with the final at midday.
Appointments
Geoff Rodden has recently been appointed the assistant secondary schools sports director for the Otago region.
Rodden's strong sporting background in administration and coaching will continue to enhance the overall performance of the Otago Secondary Schools Sports Association.
Graeme Egan (Taieri College), Tania Murray (Cromwell College), Elise Cassidy (Logan Park), Kate Anderson (Lawrence Area) and Theresa Johnson (Kaikorai Valley College) have recently been appointed to sports co-ordinators positions in Otago.
Area Schools tournamentPupils from Maniototo, Roxburgh and The Catlins are competing in the New Zealand Area Schools Tournament in Whangarei, following their selection to represent the South Island team.
Sports include netball, rugby, volleyball and basketball.
There are two teams from the North Island and two from the South Island.
North and South Island teams will be selected to play against each other on the last day of the tournament.
These articles are compiled by the Otago Secondary Schools Sports Association (OSSSA) which is proudly sponsored by the University of Otago College of Education.
Contacts: Des Smith, Otago Regional Sports Director, PO Box 6303, Dunedin.
Ph 470 1337 Fax 470 1786 Email: des@osssa.org.nz Website: www.osssa.org.nz
