By Jerrie Valli | Posted: Friday February 22, 2019
Enliven and its staff and residents will be right behind the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel this season, as the team seeks a third consecutive national netball title.
The Enliven logo will be emblazoned on the back of the Southern Steel dresses this year, highlighting a partnership between the aged care provider and the champion netball team that was an immediate success when it launched last year.
Presbyterian Support Southland is the parent brand of Enliven Southland, and Chief Executive John Prendergast said supporting the Southern Steel last season was an instant winner, on and off the court.
“A big part of the partnership’s success is due to the value alignment between Enliven and the Steel. Our values are respect, compassion, family, community and accountability – and the Southern Steel exhibit those values all the time,” he said.
“The Steel players and management were outstanding in connecting with our residents, clients and staff, all of whom just loved the interaction. We’ve expanded our sponsorship commitment this year so that Enliven is more visible on the player’s dresses and so that we can share in the Steel’s 2019 threepeat!”
This year Steel players will be taking part in high teas at Enliven sites, connecting with residents and staff.
In a further connection between PSS and Southern Steel, Family Works will also be the Steel’s official chosen charity this season.
“Family Works is our social service arm. We are the largest social service provider in Southland, supporting children, young people and their families through challenging times in their lives through a range of services. Donations and volunteers are key to us being able to support the Southland community,” said PSS Marketing and Communications Manager, Courtney Forde.
Southern Steel captain Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit said the players were excited to continue the partnership with PSS.
"When we take the court, we're not only representing the Steel and our families, we are ambassadors for those who partner with us and we're certainly proud to now wear Enliven on our uniforms," she said.
"Presbyterian Support Southland has such a positive impact in our community so it's great to join forces to work alongside them. And we have seen how Family Works makes such a difference in the lives of kids here so the players are definitely eager to do anything we can to support them as our charity.
"This partnership also gives us the chance to connect with a range of people - from residents at the Enliven rest homes to youngsters benefitting from the Big Buddy programme. It's great fun and I'm sure we will get plenty of advice from netball fans young and old during the season."
Southern Steel starts its 2019 ANZ Premiership campaign on February 24th.