Steve ‘Coach’ McKean’s enduring impact on Taranaki sports will once again be celebrated during a weekend of events dedicated to his memory. As a mentor, secondary school sports coordinator, regional sports director, and renowned basketball coach, ‘Coach’ inspired countless young people across the region.

In 2021, McKean’s wife and daughter, Rachel and Naomi McKean, partnered with the Taranaki Foundation to establish The ‘Coach’ McKean Fund.  This fund supports young Taranaki sports enthusiasts through the Sport Taranaki Future Champions Programme and the annual Coach McKean Small Grants Fund.

“Naomi and I are honoured that both Property Brokers and Basketball Taranaki have created these platforms to remember Steve and the impact he had on the young people of this wonderful province we call home. To continue his legacy of support, we encourage everyone to take part in these fun days of participation, camaraderie and competition, which was Steve’s sporting mantra!” said Rachel.

Charity Golf Tournament with Special Guest Christian Cullen

The weekend kicks off with a charity golf tournament on Friday 1 March at the Ngāmotu Golf Club. Hosted by Property Brokers New Plymouth, the tournament’s proceeds will be shared between The Coach McKean Fund and the Life Education Trust.

Sales Consultant, Phil Quinney says Property Brokers New Plymouth have chosen to support raising money for the Fund because “Coach’s commitment to the well-being and development of the youth of our community through sport, health and wellbeing are values shared by our company.”

Those interested in participating can email kirsty.ireland@pb.co.nz for registration details.

Stratford Men – Winners 2023

Opunake Women – Winners 2023

Coach McKean Memorial Cup Basketball Tournament

Basketball Taranaki will host the second edition of the Coach McKean Memorial Cup, bringing together premier men and women from Taranaki to compete in a basketball tournament and represent the area they proudly call home.

Coach was the Patron for Basketball Taranaki, and Kevin Fenwick, General Manager, Basketball Taranaki, Kevin Fenwick, views continuing Coach’s legacy of inspiring young athletes as the ultimate tribute, “Coach loved basketball and opening doors for our youth in sports. Ensuring his legacy of inspiration lives on is a wonderful tribute.”

The Coach McKean Memorial Cup will be held on Saturday, March 2, and Sunday, March 3, at TSB Stadium. Interested teams can register by contacting admin@basketballtaranaki.co.nz.

Josh Hickford, Chief Executive of the Taranaki Foundation, also expressed his excitement for the upcoming weekend. “Steve’s impact on Taranaki sports was immense and we should come together once again to celebrate his life and community contributions, while also raising money for the Fund through participation in the weekend’s activities.”