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Sport has a focus on physical training or competition, but it is also a platform for developing resilience, leadership, and identity. Our programme is designed to equip young athletes with the skills needed on the field, and in life. Ashlee Estreich is a rising mid-Canterbury star with dreams of a big future. She has been with us for some time now, and recently we sat down with her to find out what she has gained from being a part of Tātai Whetū Waitaha. "It wasn’t just about getting better at my sport," Ashlee reflects. "It was about understanding who I am, how I fit into my community, and how I can help others along the way." This perfectly captures the essence of our programme—building stronger athletes and well-rounded individuals with a clear sense of self and purpose. Resilience Resilience is a cornerstone of what we teach at Tātai Whetū Waitaha - perhaps one of the most important things in . Ashlee has experienced this firsthand, recalling a how she learned to manage her thoughts, “I learned how to get my brain to think in a different way. When you think one bad thought, then think of five good ones. The five good ones take over,” she says, noting how the mental toughness she has developed through our programme has helped her in both sport and life. "It’s held me in good stead for life outside sport too." Our kaupapa is to provide these young athletes with the mental tools to handle the pressures of life beyond sport. As Ashlee explains, "Tātai Whetū Waitaha helped me understand that mindset is everything. You can be the strongest player out there, but if you’re not mentally strong, you won’t perform your best."
Leadership Leadership is another core value we strive to instil in our athletes. For Ashlee, her growth in this area has been notable. "She’s learned to communicate better, not just with us as her family, but with her coaches and teammates," her mother, Tania Estreich, shares. "That’s helped her build trust and relationships that are key to any success, in sport and in life." Ashlee embodies what it means to be a leader in our community, understanding that it’s not just about being vocal but about being reliable and supportive. "Sport teaches you how to handle pressure," she says, "but it also teaches you how to handle life. It’s about having the strength to push through tough times, whether that’s on the field or off it." The Importance of Whānau At Tātai Whetū Waitaha, we pride ourselves on the sense of community we foster. Our athletes know that they are never alone on their journey. It’s comforting to know that you’ve got a group behind you, supporting you through the ups and downs, and we offer a big team. . This sense of belonging and shared purpose is what makes our programme unique. It’s about about lifting each other up, knowing that our collective strength is what truly enables growth. Cultural Connection: A Stronger Identity One of the distinctive features of Tātai Whetū Waitaha is our commitment to cultural identity. We integrate te reo Māori and Māori values into everything we do, ensuring that our athletes feel connected to their heritage. By helping athletes explore their identity within a sporting context, we aim to build pride and confidence that extends far beyond their time on the field. "It’s given me a stronger sense of identity," Ashlee reflects, a statement that aligns perfectly with our mission. Looking Ahead As Ashlee continues to grow through our programme, she embodies the values we hold dear. "The programme has shown me that sport is a way to learn about yourself and how to approach everything in life with the same determination and heart," she says. This holistic approach to athlete development is what sets Tātai Whetū Waitaha apart. We are incredibly proud of Ashlee and the many athletes like her who are part of our whānau. They remind us daily that sport is just the beginning of the journey. "Sport may be the thing that brings us together," Ashlee says, "but it’s about so much more than that. It’s about setting yourself up for life." Thank you to our sponsors and supporters for making this journey possible for athletes like Ashlee. Your contributions enable us to continue nurturing the next generation of leaders, both on and off the field.
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