Kids at Whanganui's Keith St School given sports gear

The Replay initiative to give new and used sports gear to children who need it went so well in Palmerston North that it has moved to Whanganui.

Rebel Sport has bins where used equipment and new equipment with minor flaws is collected, ready to distribute to schools.

It's put into Pita Pit bags, each also containing four cones, a thick piece of chalk and a letter describing games the gear can be used in.

Keith St School pupils assembled in their hall on Friday while adults from the businesses and Sport Whanganui's community sport manager Jodie Brunger gave out the gear. They were helped by two Cullinane College students, reading out names.

Pupils at Whanganui's Keith St School wait to hear who will be given sports gear. Wanganui Chronicle Photograph by Stuart Munro.

The children chosen had shown an interest in the sports they received gear for. Rugby balls were given to 15, basketballs to 16, and netballs to 20. Four students received footballs, and four received hockey sticks.

Brunger told the children who didn't receive anything that there would be more gifts next time.

"Rebel Sport has a bin full of stuff. Everybody in the school will get something."

Principal Linda Ireton is very excited to be part of the project in Whanganui.

"It will make sure all the kids are able to play sport," she said.