In memory of ‘Coach’: basketball and golf tournaments to honour the late Steve McKean and raise funds for McKean’s fund
Andy Jackson/Stuff
Two sports tournaments will be held in New Plymouth in March in memory of the late Steve “Coach” McKean. (file photo)
Former All Blacks star Christian Cullen will be a guest at a weekend to honor basketball coach Steve McKean’s sports legend.
McKean, known throughout Taranaki as “Coach”, died in May 2021.
Although McKean is best known nationally as a basketball coach, he reached out to thousands of young people locally, either through his stint as a teacher at Spotswood College or as the regional director of the Taranaki Secondary Schools’ Sports Association (TSSSA), a position he held for 20 years .
In 2021, McKean’s wife and daughter Rachel and Naomi partnered with the Taranaki Foundation to create the “Coach” McKean Fund, which encourages young Taranaki athletes to fulfill their potential through the Sport Taranaki Future Champions program and promising young Athletes support the wider community.
CONTINUE READING:
* Hundreds turn out to say goodbye to basketball great Steve “Coach” McKean
* The Endowment Fund was established in memory of the great athlete, Steve “Coach” McKean
* Steve McKean was a basketball legend, but in Taranaki he was known simply as “Coach”.
The sports weekend is designed to honor “Coach” and raise money for the fund.
The weekend begins with a benefit golf tournament on Friday, March 3rd at Ngāmotu Golf Club, where Cullen will be the special guest.
Property Brokers New Plymouth will host the tournament and proceeds will be shared between The Coach McKean Fund and the Life Education Trust.
Adam Poulopoulos/Stuff
Former All Blacks star Christian Cullen will be a special guest at a charity golf tournament in New Plymouth in March. (file photo)
They chose to raise money for the ‘Coach’ McKean Fund because “Coach’s commitment to our community’s youth through sport, health and wellness are values shared by our company,” said sales consultant Phil Quinney.
On Saturday and Sunday, March 4th and 5th, Basketball Taranaki will host the inaugural Coach McKean Memorial Cup.
The tournament will bring together “first men and women” from Taranaki to compete in a basketball tournament and represent the area they call home, general manager Kevin Fenwick said.
“Coach loved basketball and he loved opening doors for our youth to get involved in the sport. I can’t think of a more wonderful tribute to ensure his legacy of inspiring and encouraging our players to play their best continues.”
The tournament will be held at TSB Stadium: email [email protected] to express your interest in playing.