Influential player and administrator in softball and rugby
Eric Kohlhase is to have his memory perpetuated with a trust in his name to
continue the type of work he was synonymous with.
Kohlhase, a former New Zealand softball representative, and
an Auckland Marist rugby player, died in 2011 but not before his work in sport
had been recognised by the presentation of a Halberg Lifetime Achievement
Award.
Launched in Auckland at the Marist Softball Club, a location
in keeping with the Kohlhase name, the Trust aims to provide opportunities for
youth to take part in sport, diamond sports especially but not just those
games.
The Trust will be headed by Auckland media identity and
one-time New Zealand softball team manager Doug Golightly (left), and has on its board
the coach of the world championship-winning Black Sox team of 2013 Eddie
Kohlhase (right), his sister Ruth and the captain of the team and the Trust's
ambassador Rhys Casley.
Among its aims the Trust wants to teach the value of team
work while also boosting the need to have fun in sport in both schools and club
contests.
They also hope to see sport used as a means of improving
academic performance and behaviour.
It is not only players who are to be targeted but also
coaches and volunteer administrators.
Mentors will also be sought to help pass on the message of
the need for balance between life and sport.
The Trust also wants to be a conduit for schools and clubs
in seeking funding applications while promoting the work of schools and clubs
in seeking sponsorship partners.
In speaking at the official launch of the Trust, Golightly
said it intended to be 'a hands up, not a hands out' type of operation.
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