Access to a portable water tank at secondary school events provides an easy option for sports organisers and a healthy option for thirsty student athletes.

“The healthy choice should always be the easy choice,” says Dave Jeffrey, Manager of Healthy Families Christchurch.

Jeffrey’s team takes a new approach to the prevention of age-old problems, by supporting change in schools, neighbourhoods, sports clubs and places of worship, in the interest of health and wellbeing.

They are working in partnership with School Sport Canterbury to promote a pro-water policy for future events. Canterbury Tennis is leading local sports by example, and used a national event in Christchurch this week to show that students will embrace healthy options.

“This week at Wilding Park, Healthy Families Christchurch helped cater for the Canterbury Secondary Schools Junior Tennis Champs, by organising a portable water tank,” says Adam Gard’ner of Canterbury Tennis.

“This is an innovative system that allows us to make sure water is readily available for the players right throughout the tournament. It helps us promote healthy habits, and the players looking after themselves.”

Ian McCormick of Tap Water Wells provided the service without charge to the schools.

“It’s an incredible gesture that shows how much our community cares about healthy choices and making these choices easier for families,” says Jeffrey.

Angelina King, of School Sport Canterbury, was impressed the results of having the tank on site.

“We’d like to use the hydration unit and offer it as a pro water option to all our secondary school events as an alternative to sugary drinks. We hope to take this into next year’s Secondary School Sports events.”

The tanker could be available at future events, as part of a long-term approach to influencing healthy choices by students and sports across the city.

Healthy Families Christchurch is an initiative delivered by Sport Canterbury, the Regional Sports Trust for the Canterbury West Coast region.