CARNIVAL OF THE CODES

 MAY 2014

On numerous occasions, the cooks river sporting alliance (CRSA) have been asked by local schools for more affordable sporting programs and local sporting clubs. The alliance have asked how they can increase the level of promotion in sports participation.

With this in mind the CRSA decided to trial a new approach where local children could come and try all sports in the one session – and Carnival of Codes was created.

Four local primary schools (Ashbury, Canterbury, Canterbury South and Croydon Park) participated in the event with around 200 student from each school engaged with six winter sports’ governing bodies to provide the relevant coaching resources – these were the AFL, ARU, NRL, Sydney FC, Canterbury Womens Hockey and Netball NSW. The event was held at Picken Oval in Croydon Park primarily because of the central location and adjacent Netball courts.

The Carnival was a fantastic demonstration of children’s engagement with a variety of sports. It is a testament to the professionalism and experience of the coaches who provided a connection between participants and local grassroots sporting clubs, while getting kids excited about the upcoming season.

The event demonstrates a key element of the CRSA’s mission – to further develop and strengthen the connections in our community through grassroots sport and best of all, the kids had lots of fun.