Alumni Sport Stars Inspire

Member Showcase: Lincoln University Alumni Sport Stars Inspire at SailGP Event … 

In a unique collaboration with local and international organisations, local schools, and Lincoln University students, staff and alumni, a special event took place at the university earlier this year.

Christchurch city and Lyttelton hosted the New Zealand leg of the international sailing event, Sail Grand Prix, in March.  As well as the racing part of the event, SailGP manages a community, education and outreach initiative called Inspire – promoting that sailing “can be a force for good”. 

In a partnership between Lincoln University, Christchurch NZ and SailGP, the event showcased sport as a vehicle for change, promoting healthy living, and connecting with others by providing an opportunity for high school pupils to meet high performance sporting men and women, hear their stories and be inspired.  Held in the Whare Hākinakina Lincoln University Gym, Years 9-11 students from 14 Canterbury schools were invited to learn about the life-changing power of sport.

Lincoln alumni and world Champion rugby players, Kendra Cocksedge and Andy Ellis, shared insights from their sporting careers, and participated in a discussion panel which also included head of the New Zealand SailGP event, Karl Budge, and Swiss co-driver Nathan Outteridge, who is also an America’s Cup sailor and Olympic gold medallist.  Recently retired Black Cap Todd Astle, another Lincoln alumnus, emceed the event.

Pupils had a chance to test their fitness on ski machines and take part in sessions on sustainability which included learning about new plant proteins from Leaft Foods and kayaks made from wool by Shear Edge.  They were also introduced to sport science, a subject that Lincoln offers through its Sport and Recreation speciality.

Sail GP’s logistics partner Kuehne + Nagel, a global company that has a close relationship with Lincoln and offers graduates a chance to intern in New York, were also represented at the event.  They discussed the efforts they had made to reduce the carbon footprint of Sail GP’s 110 containers, which were shipped around the world using biofuels, to cut emissions by up to 90% when the event was held in Europe.

Event attendees had the opportunity to sign an oversized card wishing good luck to the New Zealand team in their races, and enjoyed a Kapa Haka performance from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Waitaha.

Naomi Wilde, Director, Alumni and Development, and keen SailGP fan, commented,

“It was fantastic to bring this synergetic event together and embrace the opportunity for Lincoln University to be part of a such a renowned international sporting event.”

“Not only did we help to raise Lincoln University’s profile locally and internationally, but it was so gratifying to be collaborating with the many people and organisations involved.  Just from Lincoln University alone, the Alumni and Development Office, Marketing team, Student Recruitment team, Sports and Gym staff, Vice-Chancellor’s office, university academics and staff, university students and alumni all had a huge part in making the day happen.”

“We are very grateful to ChchNZ, SailGP and partners. It was a great project for Lincoln University to be involved in, and demonstrated the positive impact of collaboration and team work on alumni and community relationships.”