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2012 Media Releases

Southern Cross welcomes media inquiries about any health related topics. Please contact:

Aimee Bourke, Communications Manager

Southern Cross Healthcare Group
Phone 09 925 6412; Mobile 021 410 411

aimee.bourke@southerncross.co.nz

Apr30

Southern Cross focuses on the next generation with Future Ferns

4/30/2012 10:40:00 AM by Aimee Bourke

The nation’s largest health insurer is taking a long-term view with a sponsorship aimed at supporting kids in healthy activities.

Southern Cross Health Society is encouraging children and their families to keep active by participating in Netball New Zealand’s “Future Ferns” programme, designed to teach 7-9 year old players ball skills and rules.

Over 30,000 players take part in the Future Ferns programme nationwide.

Southern Cross Health Society Chief Executive Peter Tynan said the not-for-profit organisation has a strong focus on helping people stay healthy.

“Southern Cross is already involved in promoting healthy lifestyles for adults through employer health and wellness programmes. This involvement with Netball New Zealand helps us widen that support to children and their families.”

Tynan said netball was a great way for children to get more activity into their day. Government guidelines recommend children do at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per day.

“We know that New Zealanders in general, both old and young, are currently not active enough. Embedding active lifestyles at an early age is a key step in stemming the growing incidence of preventable illness in our communities.”

Southern Cross is rewarding young players and supporters who display positive, healthy behaviour throughout the netball season. The “Healthy Players, Healthy Supporters” promotion will see coaches giving out a “Healthy Player of the Day” award and “Healthy Supporter of the Day” award each week over the season.

Certificates can be given for things like having a healthy positive attitude, giving positive encouragement to others, remembering to cool down and stretch, or bringing healthy snacks or water to the game.

Said Mr Tynan, “We recognise that netball has benefits beyond increasing activity – it’s a great way for children to build friendships within the local community and learn important life skills such as fair play, commitment and teamwork.”

Award winners can go online to www.mynetball.co.nz/healthzone to enter a weekly prize draw, with all entrants also eligible for the major end-of-season prize of a trip for four to a Silver Ferns match. The winner and their family will also get an exclusive glimpse into the Silver Ferns lead up to the game with a visit to their pre-match training session.