Primary schools on Rarotonga competed for the annual Prince of Wales Athletics trophy over two days, with Apii Avarua receiving the coveted trophy at the prize giving awards yesterday afternoon.

Apii Avarua dominated the athletic event with a huge margin of 330 from the second place getter, racking up an overwhelming 893 points.

The Minister of Sports Vaine (Mac) Mokoroa presented the second overall winner to hosts Apii Nikao with 563 points, and St Joseph’s/Nukutere with 455 points received the third-place overall trophy sponsored by Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee.

Apii Nikao, Apii Arorangi, Apii Te Uki Ou, Apii Imanuela Akatemia, Apii Rutaki, Papaaroa Adventist School, Apii Takitumu, Titikaveka College, St Joseph’s School and Nukutere College participated in the event that was held the National Stadium in Nikao.

Hundreds of parents, families and school students gathered at the National Stadium in Nikao to observe and cheer on the athletes participating in the various track and field events.

The determination of the junior kids, starting from the ages of five, in the sprint races was encouraging and the athleticism of the intermediate and senior athletes was inspiring.

Unfortunately, there were a few nasty spills in the athletics track races, however the brave runners were taken care of promptly with medical attention.

The Howard and Napa families had three children who attend Avarua Primary School claim the individual championship trophies for the event – Teruan Napa won the Pre-school boys champion title, his sister Moana-Sky Napa claimed the Junior Girls champion trophy, and their first cousin Taitoa Howard Webb was awarded the Senior Boys champion trophy.

The students’ proud mothers who are sisters, Marion Howard and Tevai Napa (nee Howard), were both excited and pleased with their children’s achievements.

Apii Nikao hosted the Prince of Wales Athletics event. School principal Elizabeth Kapi thanked the sponsors and parents for supporting and attending the successful event, and the volunteers for keeping the stadium area clean and tidy.

Senior Girls 100m heats. 21092917.

Nukutere/St Joseph student competes in the Senior Girls high jump event. 21092918

Junior kids 5-year-old race in the 50m sprints. 21092922.

Junior girls in the sprint races. 21092912.

Senior Boys first four finalists in the 200m. 21092928.

Junior boys 50m sprint. 21092911.

Apii Rutaki and Apii Takitumu junior girls athletes race for the finish line. 21092920.

Junior St Joseph’s and Nikao students sprint for the finish line. 21092921.

The athletic Howard and Napa children. Front left Teruan Napa - Pre-school boys champion, his sister Moana-Sky Napa - Junior Girls champion trophy, and their first cousin Taitoa Howard Webb - Senior Boys champion trophy. 21092931.