A spectacular truck and trailer crash on SH3 delayed the arrival but failed to dampen the spirits of students from three schools competing in the annual Western Country Schools Athletics day at Cooks Gardens in Wanganui yesterday.
Students from Waverley, Waitotara and Ngamatapouri schools were held up while emergency crews worked to clear an overturned large truck towing two trailers on the Nukumara straights just south of Waitotara early yesterday morning.
However, event organiser Aimee Granville said the 40-minute delay did little to dampen spirits and the day went ahead as planned without a hitch.
Nine schools took part in the athletics day with all students competing in six disciplines. Winner and placegetters in each age group were presented certificates for their sterling efforts.
The schools included Mosston, Faith Academy, Westmere, Kai Iwi, Brunswick, Aramoho and three late arrivals.