Athletes in need of windfall

The Napier Children's Games 2015 team swimmers Alena Kamper (left), Hadlee Dyer, Ruby Adsett and Joshua Gimblett.

A dozen young Hawke's Bay athletes will be stepping on to the world stage in about three months - although the crucial issue of funding is their immediate focus.

The 2015 Childrens' Games is being staged between June 24 and 29 at Alkmaar in the Netherlands. The upcoming 49th annual event will be the second time young Napier sportspeople have competed.

Last year, a team representing the city took part in the games at Lake Macquarie in New South Wales and arrived home with two gold medals from BMX events and two bronze medals in sailing. But the geographical travelling distance for this year's games is proving a little more daunting.

Napier Mayor Bill Dalton said the events were a "wonderful opportunity for our young athletes to get on the world stage" and is rallying support.

"If you are in business, please consider sponsoring our Alkmaar delegation," he said, as the first of a series of fundraisers had got under way.

While the games' host city meets the cost of accommodation and meals for each delegation, it is up to each team and its supporters to cover the costs of travel, uniforms and competition attire.

While the full costs were not yet itemised, travel alone was likely to hit five figures.

The local team stars eight footballers and four swimmers.

The football team comprises Jorge Akers and Ethan Martin, both 15, Kayden Adema, Harry Mason and Jarred Coutts, all 14, and Luis Toomey, 13, from Napier Boys' High School along with 15-year-old Jackson Durrington from Hastings Boys' High School, and Vinnie MacKirdy, 15, from Taradale High School.

The four members of the swimming team are Joshua Gimblett and Hadlee Dyer, both 14, from Napier Boys' High, Ruby Adsett, 14, Napier Girls' High School, and Alena Kamper, 14, from Sacred Heart College.

Upcoming fundraisers will include a movie night premier of Fast and Furious 7 at 8.45pm this Thursday at Reading Cinemas in Napier. Tickets are $20 and include a complimentary drink and nibbles. Bookings can be made on 844 6076 or through Reading Cinemas.

There will be a sporting display between 9.30am and 12.30pm on Easter Sunday at the Hastings Farmers Market at the Hawke's Bay Showgrounds, while a dinner and auction is being planned at the Thirsty Whale on April 28.

-For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/International-Childrens-Games-Alkmaar-2015-Napier-Delegation/1401643433471758