Letters from Rangatahi: Olympic Muses and Musings (and some thoughts for adults)
In this open letter, we hear from Ciccone Hakaraia-Turner, Netball New Zealand Youth Board representative and Year 13 Wharekura student at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi Marae. Ciccone shares with the reader her reflections on the Tokyo Olympics, on various adults in her life, on Kaupapa Māori and adolescent challenges in society at large. What lessons can you gleam from some of Ciccone’s wise words?
Sport strengthens communities through clubs, schools, teams, whānau and individuals. Everyone plays sports for different reasons. Their own aspirations or their aspirations of their family. From the very young to the accomplished Olympian - we all must begin somewhere and navigate our way through the trials and tribulations, forging our identities as we develop. Healthy mentors are valuable role models to encourage, cajole and console. Inspirations become aspirations. Preparation for a secondary school netball tournament or the Olympics happens within the community of the athlete.
