Big athletics day for kids

Stepping out in unison will be the first challenge for primary school students at today’s Prince of Wales inter primary schools athletics competition.

The annual meet is being hosted by St Joseph’s Primary School and will be held at the BCI Stadium.

Before any running or jumping though, students from the 10 schools taking part will have to show their polished marching skills.

All schools are to assemble at the eastern gate of the BCI Stadium at 7.45am in the order of St Joseph’s, Te Uki Ou, Avatea, Takitumu, Arorangi, Imanuela Akatemia, Papaaroa College, Avarua, Rutaki and Nikao primary school.

At 8am invited guests will be welcomed into the stadium grounds followed by the arrival of deputy prime minister Sir Terepai Maoate and Queen’s Representative Sir Frederick Goodwin.

All schools will then march into the ground at 8.10am sharp followed by the opening prayer by Bishop Stuart O’Connell.

The day’s athletics events will start at 8.50am with the competition expected to wrap up around 1.30pm for the awards ceremony.

Current Prince of Wales trophy holder Avarua School will again be the school to watch out for as they will be vying to retain the trophy this year.

However, host school St Joseph’s hopes to get their hands on the trophy and so will former long-time holders Avatea and a number of the smaller schools.

It will be an exciting day of athletics today especially as the kids will get to run on the new synethic track.

A number of kids have been practising running on the bouncy track and there are sure to be some surprised children who never knew they could run so fast.

All parents and families are welcome to come along today and cheer on the kids.