Photos supplied by the Nelson Weekly |
The upper South Island is in the zone....the softball Pink Zone that is with young girls grabbing the chance to put on the pink gear and whack that ball with their pink bat. Pink Zone is a Softball NZ initiative aimed at increasing girls in primary and intermediate schools playing softball by having equipment that is pink. Pink bats, pink helmets, pink gloves and pink bibs. A total pink wash out. Nelson and Marlborough were keen to pilot the SNZ initiative and split the Pink Zone gear to utilise during the second half of their Youth Leagues season. Both Assns do not have a girls only league so it was an ideal starting point to promote getting girls into the sport. The Associations approach was to have the gear available for girls to sign in and out before and after each of their games started. Unfortunately demand overrode supply, with more girls wanting to use the equipment than was available. Instead of viewing this as negative, it was seen as extremely positive as it indicates the initiative is being a great success. In addition, Marty Grant facilitated some all girl inter-school competitions in Nelson amongst three schools he coaches in. Four Pink Zone Play Ball games happened with Yr 5 and 6 students, with each school fielding two teams. This meant that roughly sixty girls who hadn’t played the sport before participated. Not only was it an awesome sight but the girls loved the Pink Zone gear and both students and teachers had fun. By Lesley McIntosh |
If you wish to utilise Pink Zone equipment to help promote the female (9-12 year old's) game in your area please contact your local Regional Game Development Officer. | Download a Pink Zone poster |
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