Grass roots initiative to honour Eric Kohlhase's memory
Influential player and administrator in softball and rugby Eric Kohlhase is to have his memory perpetuated with a trust in his name to continue the type of work he was synonymous with.
Kohlhase, a former New Zealand softball representative, and an Auckland Marist rugby player, died in 2011 but not before his work in sport had been recognised by the presentation of a Halberg Lifetime Achievement Award.
Launched in Auckland at the Marist Softball Club, a location in keeping with the Kohlhase name, the Trust aims to provide opportunities for youth to take part in sport, diamond sports especially but not just those games.
The Trust will be headed by Auckland media identity and one-time New Zealand softball team manager Doug Golightly (left), and has on its board the coach of the world championship-winning Black Sox team of 2013 Eddie Kohlhase (right), his sister Ruth and the captain of the team and the Trust's ambassador Rhys Casley.
Among its aims the Trust wants to teach the value of team work while also boosting the need to have fun in sport in both schools and club contests.
They also hope to see sport used as a means of improving academic performance and behaviour.
It is not only players who are to be targeted but also coaches and volunteer administrators.
Mentors will also be sought to help pass on the message of the need for balance between life and sport.
The Trust also wants to be a conduit for schools and clubs in seeking funding applications while promoting the work of schools and clubs in seeking sponsorship partners.
In speaking at the official launch of the Trust, Golightly said it intended to be 'a hands up, not a hands out' type of operation.
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