Avarua take back Prince of Wales

Avarua School yesterday dashed Avatea School’s hopes of making it three years of holding the Prince of Wales athletics shield when they outran and out jumped everyone to be crowned champions yesterday.

Hundreds of parents and caregivers flocked to the BCI Stadium to cheer and watch the annual primary school athletics competition in the sweltering heat.

Hosted by Arorangi School, who roped in a large band of volunteers from the Puaikura community, the day has been hailed a huge success.

The day’s programme began with a prayer and the traditional marching competition before sprinters lined up for a full day of running.

The national stadium was a buzz of activity, cheers and laughter as sprint races were held on two grass tracks on the rugby field for the junior and intermediate students while the senior runners did battle on the synthetic tracks.

As usual it was the pre-school and under six sprints that drew the biggest cheers as the mini sprinters gave it their all to make their little legs go.

Races were fiercely contested in the intermediate and senior divisions with standout runners quickly attracting the attention of local athletics coaches and Athletics Cook Islands officials.

While Avarua walked away with the biggest award of the day, the Prince of Wales shield, most of the schools received awards through their mini sprinters.

One of the smallest schools in the competition, Imanuela Akatemia, received the award for the most behaved school of the day with a brand new shield sponsored by the best behaved people on the island – the Mongoose Golden Oldies.

The school also received $100 from the club to spend on whatever they want.

The smallest school on the island, Rutaki Primary School, will host next year’s competition and promise even more fun and laughter for the kids and parents.

Congratulations to all the schools for a fabulous day of athletics in the sun.