As Men’s Health Week gets underway across Aotearoa, sports commentator Ken Laban says the conversation around sport needs to extend beyond wins and losses to include the pressures athletes, coaches and supporters face every day.
Speaking on Radio Waatea, Laban said sport remains a powerful vehicle for connection and wellbeing, but also brings significant mental and emotional challenges. He said the key message during Men’s Health Week is the importance of looking out for one another and creating environments where people feel supported.
Laban said the competitive nature of sport can create intense pressure, from elite athletes chasing success to grassroots players balancing family, work and sporting commitments. He believes stronger support networks are essential to helping people navigate those demands.
On the field, attention is turning to Super Rugby’s championship decider, with Laban backing the Hurricanes as the team to beat. After a dominant campaign, he says the Wellington side has put itself in a strong position heading into a potential final against the Chiefs.
Laban described the Hurricanes as having the competition in their hands, with consistency and confidence making them a formidable opponent in the closing stages of the season.
The weekend’s sporting action also delivered its share of highs and lows. From finals football and rugby clashes to moments of heartbreak and reflection, Laban said sport continues to unite communities while reminding people of the resilience required to compete at every level.
His latest sports roundup highlighted a weekend filled with drama, determination and standout performances across a range of codes, reinforcing the role sport plays in bringing people together.
As Men’s Health Week continues, Laban says the lessons from sport are clear: success is important, but supporting teammates, whānau and friends through life’s challenges matters even more.
