A NEW ZEALAND CHARITABLE TRUST IS TEAMING UP WITH ONE OF THE LARGEST GAMING COMPANIES IN THE WORLD TO LAUNCH AN INNOVATIVE EDUCATION ESPORTS PROGRAMME IN ROTORUA, NEW ZEALAND.

Riot Games, the creators of League of Legends  – which has more than 100 million active players a month, has partnered with Rotorua-based non-profit, Digital Natives Academy (DNA).

Together they have co-designed a programme using League of Legends which introduces teachers, parents, whanau and young people to eSports and high performance skill acquisition and will deliver key messages on mental health, respectful relationships, sportsmanship and resilience.

This work is part of the Learn with League initiative, which helps young people, parents, and teachers explore how League of Legends can provide a structure to collaboratively learn and prepare for life.

DNA director Potaua Biasiny-Tule said the alliance between both organisations is based on a shared passion for nurturing and educating young people in leadership and online behaviour within the digital realm. DNA has been hosting STEAM-related programmes (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) to youth locally since they first established in 2014 and now run New Zealand’s first esports and Game Development Academy.

We are passionate about the new digital pathways opening up in the 21st century and see this partnership as an invaluable beacon to ignite our journey”.

Mr Biasiny-Tule continued, “we are excited to know that a young person from Rotorua, Tokoroa, Opotiki, Wairoa or Whangarei, who loves playing League of Legends now has the ability to connect with our digital community”.

The programme, which will be launched at Rotorua Tech Week at the 1-day event, will provide insights into one of the fastest growing sports in the world.

Riot believes gaming can help the next generation grow into conscientious digital citizens, and wants to do their part to make the future better for them and those around them.

Riot Community and Social Play Manager Ivan Davies said, “We all learn through play. Finding ways to support the League of Legends playing experience will empower educators, parents and young people to foster self-discovery, group connection and positive communities.

Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick is pleased at the announcement.

This is an amazing collaboration between a group of innovative Rotorua creatives and a digital eSports giant, to take on an important online health and well-being issues. I congratulate both organisations for their proactive approach to encouraging appropriate gaming behaviour.”