When Champions Inspire: Israel Adesanya’s Unforgettable Visit to Waitakere Rangers Tag Team Under 10s
Helensville, Aotearoa New Zealand
Through a wonderfully selfless gesture, the Waitakere Rangers Tag Team Under 10s prize-giving ceremony became a little extra special for the young athletes and their families. None other than Israel Adesanya, the renowned international UFC superstar, made a surprise appearance.
On a showery Sunday morning at Helensville’s Rautawhiri Park, the dark clouds softened, and the rain held off throughout Adesanya’s time with the kids. Normally known for his octagon achievements, he traded the arena’s spotlight for the grassroots charm of Helensville’s local park and connected with this young tag rugby team.
Adesanya went beyond any expectations, he didn’t just hand out the lolly lei’s and pose for a quick photo. He stayed for a Q&A, answering any and all questions that were thrown his way, really connecting with the kids and giving them his full attention. Many kids were excited to know, “How did you get to where you are, how did you achieve your success?” As he spoke to this group of young tag rugby players, his words came with confidence, you could literally see the sparks of inspiration from this fighting idol settling over the kids.
The team were stoked when Adesanya suggested a sprint race. His cheeky smile led some amateur dramatics that could rival an Olympic-level contest, they lined up and prepped to run with everything they had. Adesanya, his UFC legacy intact, sprinting with all his might alongside a group of tag rugby kids from North West Auckland. The pure joy on their faces as straight after their race, which of course he won, he suggested a game of tag. The whole park filled with laughter throughout their game.
Once they had finished on the field and the kids were all hooked with his magnetic presence, the queue for autographs formed. Adesanya didn’t rush. With words of encouragement and strength, every boxing glove, rugby shirt and well-worn croc was signed.
This is a group of kids, who are no strangers to hard work and perseverance, remain undefeated in their NZ tag tournaments. A testament to their resilience and team work. Comprising of kids from Helensville, Woodhill, Parakai and Waineke, the team has been conscientiously coached by Shannon Foreman for the last three years.
Tag rugby is relatively modern in the New Zealand sporting landscape. According to the Kiwi Tag New Zealand organisation, it is an exciting and friendly sport. It develops core skills in a safe environment and fosters passion and excitement for kids with their first experiences of playing rugby league. With the relaxed and open vibe of all the families involved in the Waitakere Rangers Tag Team, this sentiment could not be truer. These families wholeheartedly dedicate their weekends to supporting their kids in achieving their goals. The result? A wonderfully open and caring community of families coming together.
The resilience that this team of kids demonstrates at every training and tournament can be reflected in Israel Adesanya’s own story. His documentary, “Stylebender,” unveils a multifaceted man—one who defies stereotypes. Adesanya’s vulnerability on screen reveals that greatness isn’t immune to struggle. From his past traumas, he emerged stronger. His willingness to share his imperfections inspires young people to embrace their own complexities. And inspire, he did, with every word of encouragement, high five, and, of course, his most generous gift: his time and attention, which he showered on this group of local kids.
This upcoming weekend, the second weekend in March ’24, The Waitakere Rangers Tag Team under 10s will participate in the Oceania Games. This three-day tournament provides junior players the opportunity to represent their Pacific heritage and culture at a major tag event.
As well as the unwavering support of their families, I know there is a whole community behind this team as they face their opponents at the Oceania Games.
This group of young tag rugby players are now infused with fresh inspiration through this new connection with one of New Zealand’s most beloved athletes, their extraordinary role model: The Last Stylebender.
