In light of this week’s International Day of the Girl, we have profiled one of our own trailblazers, forging a career path to make a real difference in the youth and sport sector across Canterbury, Youth Engagement Advisor, Grace Ward.

Grace earned her degree in physical education from the University of Canterbury in 2022, during her time studying she recognised that working in a regional sports trust, to impact change was more her calling, rather than following traditional career paths.

Securing a position at Sport Canterbury in November 2022, Grace recalls the feeling of complete elation in her first week, realising she was in a place she could grow, create fulfilling experiences and work with people with common objectives. 

Thrown headfirst into the Neighbourhood Play System project, she thrived, immersing herself in comprehensive reporting, research and community engagement to lead a pilot programme that sought to create opportunities for tamariki to engage in physical activity.

Grace has now transitioned to her current role as a Youth Engagement Advisor, with a mission to improve and increase physical activity opportunities for young people,  focusing on ensuring the opportunities are not only engaging but also enjoyable. 

Grace’s goal is to give youth a voice in creating change, collaborating with secondary schools, sports clubs and regional sports organisations to examine approaches to maintain rangatahi’s interest in living healthy and active lifestyles.  

Beyond any titles, Grace wants to build a career that has a significant impact on decisions that affect young people engaging in physical exercise.

Grace wants to encourage all young kōhine to grow their networks and have open conversations with people in their desired fields. She emphasises that asking questions can open doors to opportunities, highlighting the importance of believing that things will work out and that taking small steps can lead to success.

Grace Ward's journey serves as an inspiring example of how passion, dedication and a commitment to making a difference can lead to a career path that is made for you. 

Her work as a Youth Engagement Advisor is not just a job; it's a mission to create a brighter future for young people through physical activity.