Giving New Zealand’s littlest athletes a chance for their primary schools to score big

The AA Insurance Big Little Sponsorship is back with two primary schools set to win $10,000 towards school sports – helping our littlest athletes reach their sporting dreams.

In partnership with Eden Park, Big Little encourages communities to nominate local primary schools for the prize, giving a boost to grassroots sport in the process. Running since 2018, the Big Little sponsorship has seen $72,000 in sports grants awarded to primary schools across Aotearoa.

“Big Little is about creating opportunities for schools that may not have a lot of access to sports funds and resources,” said Melodie Vickars, AA Insurance Head of Brand, Marketing and Communications.

“All tamariki across Aotearoa should have the opportunity to thrive, and sport has the power to bring a lot of fun into kids’ lives and keep our communities together. We’re beyond thrilled to bring the Big Little Sponsorship back for another year,” she said.

Last year’s winners, Arakura School (North Island) and East Gore School (South Island), received standout nominations from parents, teachers and community supporters.

Arakura School in Lower Hutt stood out for harnessing the power of sport for neurodiverse students, with over half of its 140 students needing additional support. Physical movement is critical for young children, especially those with sensory needs, with Arakura looking to use its $10,000 grant for additional sensory play equipment and athletics, basketball, and football gear.

“Through movement and fitness we create a pathway towards helping students become in-tune with their emotions and learning how to self-regulate. We are so grateful to be one of two schools in New Zealand to have received last year’s grant,” says Arakura School Principal Tute Mila.

After stretching funding for just one rugby goalpost, East Gore School is elated to be able to play a full game of rugby after purchasing a second goalpost with its $10,000 grant.

At the time of the win, East Gore School’s Principal said, “School is a safe place to play and enjoy sports, as well as learning good sportsmanship and achieving a common goal. Winning the Big Little grant is huge for our small local school and will give our talented kids further access to the sports they love.”

Nick Sautner, Eden Park CEO and Big Little judge adds, “The team at Eden Park is delighted to partner with AA Insurance to make a meaningful difference to two deserving primary schools in Aotearoa. Sport plays an important role in schools, and our goal is to empower every student in every school across New Zealand to dream big and play a little freer.”

Big Little Sponsorship nominations open 9am on 19 February 2024, and two lucky schools can win big. You can enter your local primary at www.aainsurance.co.nz/big-little; nominations close 11:59pm on Sunday 24 March 2024.