The Warriors Community Foundation is thrilled to announce that its ‘Prepare to Perform’ programme will be significantly expanded across South Auckland, thanks to the generous support of the Auckland Airport Community Trust (AACT) 2024 community grant. The programme focuses on empowering tamariki and rangatahi by teaching essential life skills through a focus on sleep, hydration, nutrition, and other wellbeing techniques.

‘Prepare to Perform’ is designed to equip young people with tools to enhance their mental and physical performance, creating lifelong habits for health and success. This grant will allow the Foundation to deliver the programme to more schools in the South Auckland area, including Papatoetoe, Whitford, Flat Bush, Manukau Central, Clover Park, Wiri (north), Ōtara (south), and Māngere (south). The initiative aims to foster resilience, confidence, and wellbeing in young New Zealanders while addressing key social issues like mental health and physical wellness.

Lincoln Jefferson, CEO of the Warriors Community Foundation, emphasised the programme’s impact and the importance of the AACT’s support:

“The Auckland Airport Community Trust’s support enables us to reach even more young people with Prepare to Perform, a programme that provides skills to navigate life’s challenges with confidence. This grant allows us to deliver impactful lessons on health and wellbeing, empowering our tamariki and rangatahi to achieve their best, both in school and in life.”

Natalie Vincent, AACT Manager, added:

“AACT is excited to support the Prepare to Perform programme delivered by the Warriors Community Foundation. This programme aligns with the trust's funding priorities in multiple ways, including promoting health and wellbeing and helping young people establish a strong foundation for their future aspirations. This initiative is extremely valuable to our local community.”

Through this expansion, the Warriors Community Foundation and AACT are working together to create positive, lasting change in South Auckland. ‘Prepare to Perform’ has already been well received by local communities, and this new funding will make it accessible to even more students, enhancing their wellbeing and promoting healthier futures.