Fancy a Krispy Kreme donut or two? Well, you could get some delivered to you and play your part in a good cause too.
Tayla Hoysted, born-and-bred in Broken Hill and currently studying a Bachelor of Sport, Health and Physical Activity and Bachelor of Business (Management) double degree at Flinders University in Adelaide, is raising funds for the Vanuatu national women’s hockey team so they can attend and compete in international events later this year.
And the very good news is, Ms Hoysted will be in town in April, with a whole load of Krispy Kreme Donuts for those who’ve contributed to the cause and ordered some of the sugary treats.
The tasty fund-raising idea is just one of several that came about after a three-week placement during February when Ms Hoysted and 11 other students travelled to the South Pacific Ocean nation, the group was involved in helping the country’s sporting teams to improve their performance and run sport-specific testing.
While the group worked with a men’s futsal team, women’s volleyball team, the swimming team, and observed a Para-Olympic athletics training session, much of the work was with both female and male hockey teams.
Ms Hoysted said the group of university students, “used what we had been learning in class to contribute to their development as players and the growth of sport within Vanuatu,” to help give the national women’s hockey team a greater opportunity internationally.
“While overseas, we noticed how talented the athletes were and learned about their sporting goals. It is amazing that they have the opportunity to play in the [IHF Hockey5s] World Cup Qualifier and South Pacific Games, and we wanted to help them have the best chance possible to succeed at the highest level.
“They were very grateful for the knowledge and skills that we were able to provide them with during our placement, and likewise we gained incredible experiences and knowledge during our stay. The team has also expressed many thanks for our willingness to contribute to their goals of attending these international events.”
The Hockey5s World Cup is a new event in the IHF calendar with 16 teams set to attend the tournament in Oman next January, with the Oceania Qualifiers taking place on the Pacific Islands this July. The South Pacific Games take place in the Solomon Islands in November.
“Participating in the inaugural IFH Hockey5s World Cup Qualifier and South Pacific Games will be meaningful experiences for the Vanuatu national women’s hockey team, as well as the people of Vanuatu,” says Ms Hoysted.
“These two competitions will be the first opportunity for this team to travel internationally and compete at such a high level of competition. The competitions will not only be a great experience for the individual athletes, but an amazing promotion for the sport, and women’s participation in sport within the Vanuatu communities.
“Hockey and sport in Vanuatu aren’t as accessible when compared to Australia, especially for females. This is due to the lack of resources, sporting facilities, transportation, and of course, funds.”
The fourth-year student has, along with others, been holding fundraising efforts in Adelaide, which have included cake stalls, BBQs, and raffles.
Ms Hoysted is planning to be in Broken Hill, delivering boxes of Krispy Kreme, on the weekend of April 28. Silver City residents who would like to order Krispy Kreme donuts – there are four different options of boxes of a dozen donuts ranging from $24 to $32 – as part of Ms Hoysted’s fundraising efforts can head to her public Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009055507163) for more information. There, you can comment on the relevant post or send her a DM with your order.
If you simply want to donate, head to the GoFundMe link to donate directly. https://www.gofundme.com/f/vanuatu-national-womens-hockey-team.
“Please help support the Vanuatu national women’s hockey team. You contribution will make a huge and beneficial impact,” says Ms Hoysted.
