With over 300 young athletes taking to the tracks around the kura (school) grounds, the morning air was filled with anticipation and excitement ahead of the six races.
Representatives from thirteen different schools were set to toe the line and showed great determination and endurance throughout. It was especially inspiring to see the athletes as young as five years old stepping up and representing their kura, themselves and their whānau so well. Well done to all the tamariki who took part.
I was particularly proud of the 8 Pōhutukawa ākonga who helped on the day by leading each race and helping to guide the athletes over the finish line. You did an amazing job tamariki - you are indeed leaders of the future.
There were the inevitable scratched knees and muddy shoes but everyone walked away with a smile on their faces and a sausage in hand!
Our gratitude to Tamsin Harvey, community engagement lead with Wellington Athletics, who put the eager runners through their paces in the pre-race warm up. This brought a new level of professionalism to the event. Our thanks also to the parents who helped run the sausage sizzle namely Chris Dey and Jack Mayer. A final word of thanks to all the kaiako (teachers) within our kura who assisted in the setting up and ensured the smooth running of the event.
We are looking forward to next year already.
Photos of the top three finishers from the six races can be viewed here. The official results can also be viewed as an attachment at the bottom.
Ngā mihi nui,
Eilís
