Eleven-year-old Waverley student Adam Lennox burst clear of his rivals in the 100m dash at yesterday's Western Country Schools Athletics Day at Cooks Gardens yesterday. PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY
Eleven-year-old Waverley student Adam Lennox burst clear of his rivals in the 100m dash at yesterday's Western Country Schools Athletics Day at Cooks Gardens yesterday. PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY
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 crewsworked 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.
"We divided the children into age groups nine and under, 10 and 11-year-olds and 12 and over and they each competed in sprint races, long and high jump, shot put, long distance running and vortex. Vortex is a rocket-shaped missile that is thrown like a javelin and prepares them for that discipline when they're a bit older. The kids really enjoy participating," Granville said.
"Certificates are given to the winners and placegetters in each age group rather than have an overall winning school. Some of these schools only have a handful of students, so would be disadvantaged."
