The Black Keas- New Zealand Dodgeball Team

Dodgeball means any game in which players try to hit other players with balls and avoid being hit. This article is about a well-known form of team sport with modified rules that is often played in physical education classes and has been featured in a movie, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story.

In the United States, the game is typically played among children ages 6 - 12 in elementary school; physical education programs have stressed that as a game it develops balance, eye-hand coordination, and reflex skills among young children. However, internationally, the sport is growing, and has emerged as a popular middle school, high school and college sport as well.

It is also popular in informal settings and is often played on a playground, in a gym, or in organized recreational leagues. There are many variations of the game, but generally the main objective of each team is to eliminate all members of the opposing team by hitting them with thrown balls, catching a ball thrown by a member of the opposing team, or forcing them to move outside the court boundaries when a ball is thrown at them.

Dodgeball is taking off in New Zealand, after the first ever annual Speight's Summit National Dodgeball Tour was held in March/April 2010.

The Summit Black Kea's - Seven top players from around the country have been selected to compete in the 2010 Dodgeball World Championships and will be heading to Las Vegas this August.

The Team,

Regan Hellyer Captain, Christchurch, Gareth Marsden Auckland, Scott Wilken, Wellington, Malcolm Barnes, Hamilton, Josh Stevens, Wellington, Lee Terewi, Christchurch, Jonny Modie, Timaru.

For player photos; www.facebook.com- Black Keas

The Summit Black Kea's are looking for a challenge. Watch for them in the Open 8.5 and Open Stinger divisions and they can't wait to meet the Australia Emus in an Open 8.5 Division, Trans-Tasman battle.

But Australia is not their only challenger at the Dodgeball World Champs: Denmark, Canada, Hawaii and teams from around the US are all heading to Vegas.

The Back Kea's will need all their skills, a little luck and any help they can get. They will perform the Haka, (native Maori challenge) before major matches.

For all up to date information go to http://www.thendl.com -The official home of professional Dodgeball

Rules of Dodgeball and more information please go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodgeball