“Lead with Character" Youth Leadership Day 2023

Fifteen Ellesmere College students had the privilege of attending the iSport “Lead with Character" Youth Leadership Day 2023 which was held yesterday, the 25th of May 2023 at the Christchurch Town Hall.

The focus was on learning about character strengths and hearing experiences from the mouth of high-profile athletes and others. This is a foundation that Richie McCaw and Dan Carter set up and they both spoke to the audience about their experiences in Rugby and with the All Blacks.

Other high-profile attendees/ presenters included: Moses MacKay (entertainer); Dame Sophie Pascoe; Dame Valerie Adams; Andy Rodgers (Sports Development Consultant) and Arihia Bennett (Business role model as a CEO)

At lunchtime, the highlight of the day for Ellesmere College occurred with Dan Carter sitting in the seats with our students for a good period of time and having some great conversations with them. The students were ‘buzzing’ going into the afternoon session which was panel question and answers, where the questions had been submitted earlier by students attending.

We appreciate the support from the Crate and Barrel Hotel for using their courtesy vans, which in this case heavily subsidised transport costs for our students to attend this fantastic opportunity!

All felt that this was such a valuable day and one where learning about leadership and character strengths was at the forefront after hearing personal accounts from some very high calibre people that attended!