Olympic celebration at Takitumu

Takitumu School was a rainbow of colours, smiles and laughs as the school community gathered to support their kids at their Olympic race day yesterday.

It was hard to tell who was having more fun – the kids or the parents, as cheering family members sprinted along the sidelines encouraging their babes to finish their races.

Most did finish their race but a small number of the little pre-schools broke away from their races to run into mum’s arms or into their school bags to dig out kai.

Before the kids tore up the field with their super sprints – the day began with a well controlled marching session which saw all the kids dressed in their team colours of red, gold, green and blue to form the Olympic rings.

Teachers donned black to form the fifth Olympic ring before a selected group of students stood to explain the significance of the Olympic rings, Olympic flame and motto in front of invited guests including Olympians Luisa Peters, Patrick Tuara and Patrcia Taea who started her track career on the grass tracks at Takitumu School.

The trio then chipped in with the day’s activity by holding the finishing ribbon and at the same time giving praise and encouragement to all the students.

Parents supported the day by organising a stall full of baked goods and fresh produce to raise funds for the school.

They also helped out with officiating the event which was well organised right from the march to the final prizegiving and presentation of certificates.

The message by the Papa Orometua at the start of the day’s races was that winning wasn’t the most important thing but rather taking part and having fun.

This was certainly achieved throughout the day with the winners of the main races receiving lots of accolades and encouragement to be just like the Olympians present at their school.

There is no doubt that Takitumu School will be one to watch at the inter primary school Prince of Wales athletics day at the BCI Stadium on September 19.