Kia ora e te whānau

We’re proud to officially introduce the new name and brand of our special-needs tee ball competition — the R.I.S.E Tee Ball League 🥎

Formerly known as the Helen Anderson Trust Tee Ball Competition, this rebrand reflects how the league has grown and what it truly represents today. While we honour the origins of the competition and the beautiful mahi that Mel Matthews and Debbie Andrews put in all those years ago in 2008, the R.I.S.E Tee Ball League is designed to be instantly recognisable and clearly grounded in the values that guide what we deliver.

R.I.S.E stands for Respect, Inclusion, Sportsmanship, and Empowerment.

These values sit at the heart of the league and are reflected in our new logo, which places people at the centre.

The figures represent connection, teamwork, and shared participation, while the circular movement symbolises support, belonging, and continuous growth.

The star above the figures reminds us that every player is a star — effort, courage, and participation are celebrated just as much as skill. This league exists to provide a safe, welcoming environment where adults with physical and intellectual disabilities can enjoy the game, build confidence, and be part of a community that supports them.

While the name and look have evolved, the spirit of the competition remains unchanged.

The R.I.S.E Tee Ball League continues to prioritise fun, friendship, dignity, and opportunity — helping everyone reach their potential, on and off the diamond.

We’re excited to continue this journey together and to see R.I.S.E grow within our softball whānau.

We continue to be able to offer world class facilities, excellent coaching support, all the necessary equipment and staff that are passionate about delivering a positive tee ball experience to one and all... at no cost! Tee Ball provides a “user friendly” sport, accessible to people of all ages and abilities and we hope that you will join us for another great season.

Competition involves approximately a one hour time commitment each Thursday from the end of January through until April. We begin the season with a skills session (if there is demand for it). We would encourage any potential newcomers to come along and have a go at the skills sessions(expected to take place the last Thursday in January). This will provide a nice introduction to what we are able to offer and will be beneficial for players and staff alike. The competition proper is expected to start early February.

If this is an initiative that you would like to learn more about please contact me. I am more than happy to meet with you and/or staff within your organisation to let you know about all the benefits of this competition and what is involved in participating.

Alternatively, you can get it straight from the horse’s mouth and talk to some of our existing teams a number of which have been with us since the start. Our recently participating teams came from Helen Anderson Trust, Idea Services, Skillwise, AJ’s Day Option, Hohepa, Brackenridge.

As per the timeline on the next page, we are calling for entries now, so feel free to contact me with any enquiries. I look forward hearing from you.

Many thanks

Moira Annandale

Operations Manager

Canterbury Softball Association

E: admin@csa.org.nz

T: (03) 389 9167 or 027 289 3801

EXPECTED SEASON SCHEDULE