The EPIC Sports Project

02/04/2026

Term 1 Impact 2026 🫶🏻

Hundreds of young people. Every single week.

Across Linwood, Bromley, Hornby, Riccarton and the Christchurch Men’s Youth Unit, we created spaces where young people could show up as they are and feel seen, valued and safe.

Through our partnerships with Whitau School, St Bernadette’s, Bromley School, Wharenui School, Hornby High, Hornby Primary, Gilberthorpe School and St Teresa’s, we’re giving young people access to more than just sport.

We’re giving them hope.
We’re building self-worth.
We’re creating a true sense of belonging.

Because it’s never just about the game.
It’s in the smiles, the courage to try, the friendships formed, and the belief that they matter.

One of the most special moments this term was seeing our Hornby Hip Hop crews take the stage three times , their confidence and growth is something we are so grateful to be a part of.

This is what impact looks like.
This is why we do what we do.

We’re not just running sessions… We are changing young lives.

17/03/2026

From day one to the stage… what a journey!

Our high school and junior Hornby Hip Hop crews have come such a long way.. not just in their dancing, but in who they’ve become along the way.

Recently performing at Hello Hornby was a huge moment… but the real win?
The friendships built. The confidence gained. The connections created.

What started as individuals has become a crew, backing each other, growing together, and showing up every single week.

And a massive shoutout to Chloe & Gracie — more than just instructors, they’ve created a space where our young people feel seen, supported, and proud to be themselves.

This is what it’s about 🤍
Not just dance…
Connection. Belonging. Whānau.

10/03/2026

Sometimes the place where hope is needed most is the place it is seen the least.

For the past three years we’ve had the privilege of running sport sessions with young men in prison.

And what we’ve witnessed has been powerful.

For many of them, sport becomes more than just a game.

For an hour, the labels disappear.
The walls fade into the background.
And they get to experience something many haven’t felt in a long time…

Belonging.

During these sessions we’ve seen young men encourage each other, show discipline, celebrate small wins and begin to rediscover something many thought they had lost — self-worth.

One participant said after a session:

“For the first time in a long time, I felt like I was part of something good.”

At Epic we believe every young person deserves the chance to change their story.

Because hope can grow anywhere — even behind prison walls.

06/01/2026

We are so thankful for the incredible support from New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT)Your generosity enables us to continue the work we do — thank you for believing in us!

🎉 Epic Support for The EPIC Sports Project!🎉

They've received a $23,848 NZCT grant for fresh coaching uniforms, new gear, and help with essential operating costs to keep delivering 26 free sport and hip-hop sessions across Christchurch. 🙌

And the kids? They’re loving it:

🏏 Connor: “I come to every session cause I love playing the different sports, especially cricket and football. I also love it cause it means I get to play with other kids!”

⚽ Arshivana: “I really like coming to the sessions, they’re so fun and its cool because other people join in to make a big game.”

NZCT can fund this community good thanks to the fundraising partnerships we share with local hospitality venues via their responsible gaming lounges.

Epic people, epic mahi, epic impact. 💚💙

19/12/2025

A huge thank you to Opzeeland Limited for your incredible generosity in blessing some of our tamariki with Christmas gifts this December ❤️ Your kindness means so much!

27/11/2025

Remember that your encouragement, your presence, your words of life can change a young person’s story.

Together, we can build futures filled with hope, confidence and connection.

Let’s speak life, lift up our young people, and make Aotearoa a place where every young person knows they matter.

Join us in changing lives. 💙

21/11/2025

Hip hop isn’t just about the steps — it’s about connection.

Every session is a place where young people feel seen, supported, and part of something bigger.

18/11/2025

Let’s build a future where postcode no longer determines opportunity.

Because when a young person meets a coach who believes in them, everything changes. Hope grows. Confidence rises. Doors open. A great coach doesn’t just teach sport — they teach belief, resilience, and possibility. In our under-resourced communities, that kind of hope can change the entire trajectory of a young person’s life.