Whanganui Girls' College welcomes return of the rink

The pop-up ice rink is returning to Whanganui and this year there is the chance to win a trophy in the curling contest. Photo / Bevan Conley

It looks like ice and it feels like ice when you skate on it but the travelling rink on its way to Whanganui is made of plastic.

"It is made of interlocking parts and when it is unpacked and assembled, it looks just like a real ice rink," says organiser Maree Keelty.

Keelty and other members of Whanganui Girls' College parent-teacher association arranged to host Ice Skate Tour and its portable rink in the school hall last year.

The fundraising event was so popular and successful that the school decided to host the rink again this year and the company has offered a curling competition to boost the fun.

"Curling is a game similar to shuffleboard," says Keelty.

"Participants try to slide their 'stone' as close to the target as possible."

It is a game that is harder than it looks and requires a good sense of humour and a lot of practice, she says.

Local businesses and groups are invited to enter teams of four members and Downer Transport has already entered four teams for the September tournament.

Keelty says they want some strong competition and the registration cost for a team is $53.44.

The rink will be set up at the Whanganui Girls' College hall in Jones St from September 25 until October 2.

"Schools have booked it for some sessions but there will be plenty of opportunities for families and individuals to come and use it."

Keelty said it is a great way to fundraise because Ice Skate Tour takes care of everything and the host school receives 15 to 20 per cent of all entry fees.

Prices start at $8 for children under 16 to $35 for a family pass.

"We made a lot more money for the school than we expected to last year because it was so popular with families coming back for more sessions.

"I hope we will get plenty of teams for the curling cup as well."

To find out more visit the Ice Skate Tour at eventfinda and learn about the curling cup on the Facebook page.