Fun day at Fast 5 festival

FAST FIVE FUN: More than 300 youngsters took part in the ‘Fast Five’ netball festival at Victoria Domain yesterday, and they, literally, had a ball. Manutuke’s Meretuhi Kerekere-Ropiha (front) was obviously having fun. Pictures by Paul Rickard

NETBALL

The 300-plus students from eight schools involved in the Tairāwhiti Secondary Schools Fast 5 netball festival had a load of fun yesterday on the Victoria Domain courts.

Gisborne Netball Centre youth development officer Monique McLeod said the event offered students of all levels and abilities, both male and female, the ability to enjoy the buzz of inter-school sports.

“More than half the participants were either new to netball or returning players which was really awesome to see.

“The kaupapa was purely about coming together to connect and have fun while being active in a non-competitive environment,” McLeod said.

“Even our competitive netballers love the opportunity to participate with their mates without all the usual pressures to win.

“Instead we were able to put a little more focus on other areas of sport like how it brings people together in a positive way.”

The Goal Diggers team from Lytton High School picked up the ‘Kia Pai Award’ for their great positive sportsmanship.

“There were so many highlights to the day including seeing the way students supported one another.

“It was a great way for students to end the term after what has been a very trying time for schools following the region’s recent adversities,” McLeod said.

“To see so many rangatahi smiling, playing hard, and stepping outside their comfort zone, was really special.

“The netball was actually outstanding.

“The boys had loads of flair and we got to observe some fantastic plays,” she said.

“We are really grateful for the support of Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti and Tairāwhiti Area Secondary Schools Principals Assn who helped make this possible.

“Massive congratulations to everyone who gave it go!”