All Black Rugby World Cup winning coach Sir Graham Henry today officially opened the Jarrod Cunningham Sports Academy at Havelock North High School.
The academy is a partnership between the Jarrod Cunningham Youth Sport Trust and Havelock North High School.
The trust approached Sir Graham to launch the academy, who was quick to say “it would be a pleasure”.
“This is a fantastic initiative, that will help develop those that are lucky enough to be chosen.
“Jarrod had a very professional approach to his chosen sport, when back in 1996 rugby was just finding its place on the professional sport scene,” Sir Graham said.
Sir Graham coached Jarrod, a former Havelock North High School pupil, at the Auckland Blues in 1996 before playing for the Hurricanes and then continuing his professional career in the United Kingdom.
The academy concept was initiated last year following discussions between the Trust and HNHS students and teachers.
The first induction is 14 year ten students and more will be added to the academy from the junior school each year. In three years over 50 students are likely to be part of the academy.
The aim of the academy is to nurture and develop life skills to talented young sports people at the school.
Jarrod Cunningham Youth Sport Trust spokesperson Damon Harvey said the trust was approached by the school for some type of partnership since Jarrod was a former student.
“Although many ideaswere thrown about, the students were really excited about the concept of a sport academy.
“The school has many talented sports people achieving in a wide range of sports, many in non-traditional sports, so the concept of an academy really took with them.
“They wanted a sports academy that was desirable to be named in and one where they would learn all the elements that are required of top sports people.
“They especially wanted an academy which put as much emphasis on academic and citizenship as it did on sport,” he said.
Havelock North High School has appointed Craig McDougall to head the academy.
Mr McDougall said the students will learn about goal setting, motivation, improving fitness and nutrition, dealing with the media and sponsors. They will also be allocated a mentor.
“They will learn how to become well rounded athletes with the focus on creating a really balanced young person.
“Talent alone doesn’t make a top sportsperson, so we want to prepare them for the high and lows,” Mr McDougall said.
HNHS principal Bill Adams is thrilled that the academy has been set up and is looking forward to how it evolves throughout 2012 and beyond.
“We have many talented sportspeople and we want to see them reach their potential across a number of areas. We are not in the business of producing sports jocks. Their plans must include academic success as well.
“The academy will have a positive impact on the individuals in the academy but also the sport and the teams they are involved in,” he said.
The Jarrod Cunningham Youth Sport Trust announced a long term commitment to the academy.
One of Hawke’s Bay rugby’s favourite sonsJarrod Cunningham bequeathed $750,000 to launch a trust to promote participation in sport by the regions youth.
Jarrod was a successful professional rugby player that was diagnosed with Motor Neuron disease. When he passed away in 2007, it was his wish to ensure that youth in Hawke’s Bay had access to sport and that they could compete to the highest level.
He gave $750,000 to be used in promoting sport and nurturing local talent.
The Jarrod Cunningham Youth Sport Trust was set up in 2008 and since then over $150,000 has gone back into the local community.
