Travel is a powerful educator: ANZA Sports Tour 2002

The journey began in 1999, when the Year 7 Rugby team won the National Rugby League Cup, they were the best team in the country. A seed was sown that night that this group had a special talent and the idea of a tour to Australia was born. Over the next few months the idea was discussed, dismissed by some, amended and honed to become The ANZA Sports Tour.

The tour would involve a Rugby League team, girls and boys Football team and a Netball team. 44 students and 7 staff would visit America, New Zealand and Australia,hence the ANZA tour. Over the next 19 months students, staff and parents raised £120,000 to fund the trip. There were bag packings galore, a weekly lottery, sportsman's dinners, music nights and lots more.

On the 20th July 2002, the tourists left Dewsbury for their adventure. They spent 4 days in Los Angeles, 5 days in Auckland and 17 days in Australia. Each team played 4 games, met new friends, visited iconic cities and had an amazing experience. After the tour, a number of students visited New Zealand and Australia to pursue their sporting dreams and some of those young people now live in Australia with families of their own. Many of the group turn 30 this year, so happy birthday to you all!

Travel is a powerful educator, which cannot be replicated in a classroom.

Bernie Preece