Athletics: New competition big hit with teens

A new-look secondary school competition is switching teenagers on to athletics, say its organisers.

The Super 8 series began last month in an attempt to introduce young people to the sport.

It also gives established student athletes some competition before the national secondary school meeting in Hamilton next month.

"It was an idea from the Athletics Wellington committee and myself," Athletics Wellington development officer Geoff Henry said.

"It's a confidence thing, particularly with the younger teenagers who are graduating from children's athletics. If you can get them up there in college age groups they find they really do fit in, that they are competitive and that they can have fun."

The series attracted 20 colleges.

- NZPA