Black Ferns help get sick kids on track

It's not everyday youngsters can challenge their sporting heroes to a race down the slopes of Skyline Rotorua.

Five lucky Cure Kids ambassadors, from as far north as South Auckland, donned their helmets yesterday and went luging with New Zealand's women's rugby team, the Black Ferns.

Keegan Armstrong, 14, from Kawerau said being a Cure Kids ambassador was a great opportunity. "It gives me hope to know there is a charity out there that cares about us."

Keegan is living with type-one diabetes and asthma. He planned to go to the Black Fern game in Whakatane in a couple of weeks.

"It's great to meet the athletes you watch on television and I feel really lucky to be picked."

Black Fern halfback Emma Jensen said the team loved having fun and playing with the kids.

"Cure Kids is a really awesome cause and it gives us a chance to give back and show our support. It's also great to get to know the kids and show them we appreciate the support they give us."

Ms Jensen said yesterday was the team's rest day and it was great to spend it with the Cure Kids ambassadors.

"It doesn't take much for the team to spare a few hours of our day to spend with these kids and it's a win-win situation for everybody.

"It really grounds us and puts us back into reality," Ms Jensen said. "These kids have to deal with so much in their lives, it's nice to see them laughing and enjoying themselves.

The Ferns are back in Auckland today to train ahead of this weekend's game against Samoa.