Hey Ninja Nation,

As a young fella growing up in the Tron, sports played such a significant part in my life. From Bankwood Primary to Fairfield Intermediate to Hamilton Boys High, my favourite activities - like most kids - were P.E. and sports.

As a dad now I love seeing the role that sports plays in my three daughters' lives: the relationships forged, the mentoring provided, the self-expression, the confidence building, the grit and resilience and the sheer fun of letting off steam and maybe sneaking a victory.

At Ninja Valley, we believe that all of us benefit from an active lifestyle and that our kids/tamariki/youth/rangatahi should be off devices and on/in the pitch/court/field/pool/gym/arena, trying different sports/activities and building a life-long, positive relationship exercise, motion, movement that nurtures physical and mental wellbeing.

We are excited to unveil the final allocations of our Junior Ninja Stars program to sporting organisations, a demonstration of our dedication to supporting youth participation in sports and celebrating the values of teamwork, resilience, and fair play. As part of this initiative, we are proud to announce the allocation of 3,200 Ninja Gift Cards valued at $22 each to reward and recognise young athletes across a diverse range of sports.

From the adrenaline-pumping action of surfing and BMX to the strategic precision of netball and croquet, Ninja Valley is committed to recognising the achievements of youth participants in various sports. We believe that every sport offers unique opportunities for personal growth and development, and we are thrilled to support young athletes as they pursue their passion and strive for excellence.

A further 1,800 Ninja Gift Cards will be allocated to up to 122 Waikato Junior/ Intermediate and Secondary Schools.

The sports supported by the Junior Ninja Stars program include:

1. Hockey

2. Netball

3. Karate

4. BMX

5. Rugby League

6. Rugby Union

7. Waka Sports

8. Croquet

9. Surfing

10. Ultimate Frisbee

11. Cycling

In addition to these sports, we are pleased to announce a special allocation of Ninja Gift Cards to Parafed and the Salvation Army for their remarkable contributions to the community and the sports sphere. Parafed's dedication to promoting inclusivity and accessibility in sports, particularly for individuals with disabilities, is truly inspiring. Likewise, the Salvation Army's commitment to empowering youth through sports programs reflects their unwavering dedication to fostering positive change in our communities.

In its second edition and with a total value of $110,000, the Junior Ninja Stars program reflects our commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for young athletes from all backgrounds. By recognising and rewarding their efforts, we hope to inspire the next generation of sports leaders and role models.

While we are at it - massive shout out to the unsung volunteers such as local sports organisations, coaches, team managers, referees and officials, chauffeurs and parents who make these opportunities available to our youth. Keep up the great work.

Stay tuned for more updates and announcements as we continue our journey with the Junior Ninja Stars program.

Have a great season!

Ninja G