When the opportunity to work in the sport and recreation sector came up, sports-mad Ricky Bakker jumped at the chance.

The former James Hargest Junior teacher has joined the Sport Southland community sport team.

It’s a role he believes fits him well – his passion is helping people realise the benefits from being active, and he is relishing the opportunity to work with the community to make a real impact on activity levels amongst youngsters.

“I want to help people make that connection about being active and the benefits, not just physical, of that.”

Married to Chrissie, and with two young children – a 2-year-old daughter and a 3-month-old son, life is pretty busy, but that doesn’t stop the keen sportsman from participating in sport.

He plays squash, golf, cricket, basketball, rugby, and netball, does a lot of running, and likes getting out on the walking tracks around Sandy Point with his family, and heading to the pool with his daughter.

Article added: Wednesday 30 January 2019