Lecture Notes: Importance of Sports and Access to Broadcasting

Introduction

• Personal anecdote from the speaker's childhood in 1995 watching New Zealand's All Blacks in Rugby World Cup.
  • Key moment: Zhen Zhen Brooke's 40-meter drop kick.
  • Importance of heroes and dreams for children.

Importance of Sports in Development

• Sports provide physical and mental health benefits, including leadership, teamwork, and social skills.
• Personal growth through sports: speaker's experience in a rugby team.
  • Lessons in camaraderie, humility, and respect.
• Real-life applications: working in sales and innovation, building friendships globally.

The Waterboy Initiative

• Purpose-driven organization aiming to break down barriers for Kiwi participation in sports.
• Sport as a tool for social equity and personal growth.
• Example of Raiden’s transformation through boxing:
  • From troubled youth to focused student with improved academics.
  • Boxing provided purpose and healthier lifestyle choices.

Challenges and Barriers

• Many New Zealand children lack access to sports due to socio-economic barriers.
• Difficulty in accessing broadcast sports events limits exposure and aspiration.
  • Example: only 10% of kids can name current sports representatives.

Role of Sports Governing Bodies

• Need for a balanced broadcasting model like Australia’s 50/50 free-to-view and subscribe-to-view split.
• Current model limits exposure, notably in rugby.
• Importance of free access to foster interest and participation.

Proposed Solutions

• Encourage sports bodies to adopt equitable broadcasting partnerships.
• Leverage online platforms to provide free access to key sporting events.
• Empower communities to support children in developing sporting interests.

Conclusion

• Call to action for a more connected and healthier community through sports.
• Emphasis on supporting youth like Raiden to find purpose and success through sports.
• Appeal to recognize broadcasting issues and work towards solutions for inclusivity.