The Otago Secondary Schools Sports Association (OSSSA) held its second annual function for pupils of Otago's country secondary schools who captained or led teams in their chosen pursuits.
New Zealand women's cricket team members Suzie Bates and Sarah Tsukigawa travelled from Dunedin for Thursday's function, where they inspired the teenagers by giving advice about how to excel in sport.
About 50 pupils from South Otago High School, Dunstan High School, Cromwell College, Mt Aspiring College, Blue Mountain College, and the Roxburgh, Maniototo, and Lawrence area schools attended the buffet breakfast.
The OSSSA's regional sports director, Des Smith, introduced the two guest speakers.
Ms Tsukigawa, the Otago women's cricket team captain, told the pupils she honed her leadership skills at South Otago High School, where she captained the girls' first XI cricket team.
"Whatever level you play at, the values of leadership stay the same.
"Those skills help outside of sport as well - in your job, with family, and other areas,'' she said.
Ms Tsukigawa said hard work and commitment from leaders earned team members' respect.
Ms Bates, also a member of the New Zealand women's basketball team, explained the tricky task of balancing semi-professional life in two of the country's top sport teams.
Despite playing both cricket and basketball for New Zealand over a couple of years she made a decision last September to focus on one at a time.
She said time management skills and using her ability to set goals had given her the direction and motivation needed to pursue both sports, which provided her a choice rather than a sacrifice.
