The One New Zealand Warriors and the Steven Adams Pathways Trust today announced a strategic partnership that will launch a nationwide fundraising campaign aimed at giving more Kiwi kids the opportunity to participate in sport.
Both organisations bring a genuine track record to the table.
For more than 30 years, the One New Zealand Warriors have given young New Zealanders the chance to pull on the club's jersey and represent their community through rugby league.
Since 2015 the Steven Adams Pathways Trust has done the same through basketball with free camps held from Invercargill to Whangārei, bringing more than 10,000 kids through the door and a growing pathway of scholarships and US college opportunities for student athletes.
“We've watched with admiration as Steven's camps have given thousands of young Kiwis the chance to play, learn and grow,” said One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George.
When Steven and his team approached us about joining forces, it was an easy decision
Cameron George One New Zealand Warriors CEO
“When Steven and his team approached us about joining forces, it was an easy decision – our two organisations have been chasing the same goal, just through different codes.
“We're proud to help bring this next chapter to life, and there's no better stage to do it on than a sold-out home game with a packed Go Media Stadium and thousands more watching around the country,” says George.
The partnership will officially launch at the One New Zealand Warriors' round 23 NRL clash against the Penrith Panthers at Go Media Stadium on Friday, August 7, with 796-game NBA veteran Steven Adams and his family in attendance.
Partnering with an iconic organisation like the One New Zealand Warriors is something I'm genuinely excited about
Steven Adams Kiwi NBA veteran
“I'm incredibly grateful to Aotearoa New Zealand and to the many people who've supported me throughout my journey,” said the Rotorua-born Houston Rockets centre.
“Partnering with an iconic organisation like the One New Zealand Warriors, which shares my belief in creating opportunities for young people, is something I'm genuinely excited about. Together, we can help open more doors through development, exposure and access to sport.
"This partnership isn't about rugby league or basketball. It's about giving every young New Zealander the chance to have a go, discover what they're capable of, and write their own story. I was fortunate enough to have people who believed in me, and now it's our turn to help inspire the next generation.”
To support the ongoing work of the Steven Adams Pathways Trust, people are invited to make an automatic $3 donation by texting ‘Steven’ or ‘UptheWahs’ to 933 (NZ account holders only).
Fans with tickets to the round 23 game at Go Media Stadium will see a number of special touches around the ground including skills challenges, exclusive giveaways and chances to meet the NBA superstar.
