Sir Graham Henry backs netballers

Members of the touring team.

Sir Graham Henry is giving his support to a Stratford netball team, helping them fundraise their way to Australia.

The Stratford High Australian Netball Touring Team are set to travel to play in Australia in July and are busy fundraising to make the trip as affordable as possible.

Denise Kay, the netball co-ordinator at Stratford High School, says the team are thrilled to have been able to secure Sir Graham Henry for their upcoming fundraising event; "an evening with Sir Graham Henry".

"To have a name like Sir Graham Henry supporting a little school like Stratford High makes us feel humbled."

As well as the opportunity to hear the rugby legend speak, people attending the event will also enjoy a supper and the opportunity to bid for a range of sporting memorabilia and art as well as other donated good in an auction on the night.

Denise is confident the fundraiser will be a success, saying in the past they have had other big sporting names such as Barbara Kendall and Sir Peter Leitch speak at similar events with good results.

Currently, the team have raised $18,000 and they hope to reach $20,000, she says.
Getting the team to Australia is important, says Denise, as the tour provides a fantastic experience for the students involved.

"My favourite part is the students, it's amazing seeing what they can achieve in such as short time."

One of the players going this year is Tyla van den Beuken who says she was "very excited" to make the team.

"It will be a good experience to go over to Australia and play with the girls, seeing how they play over there."

Tyla hopes the tour will help her improve her skills in the sport overall.

An Evening with Sir Graham Henry: Stratford High School Hall, 7pm, April 27. Tickets $35 available from Stratford High School Student Office, Magnum Sports, Carpet Wholesale New Plymouth and Sandilands Wheel Alignment, Hawera. Tickets can also be purchased from individual members of the netball team.

Entry is restricted to age 13 and over.