Schools rewarded for trying their best

When it comes to sport, children are often told that trying your best is the most important thing winning is just a bonus.

So when the Cook Islands government was challenged to live up to those standards and provide prizes to all the schools that participated in the Prince of Wales inter-primary school athletics shield, how could it not? The top three placed teams Avatea, Avarua and St Josephs schools were presented awards for their efforts from Queens Representative Sir Frederick Goodwin at the October 25 event.

Sir Frederick then challenged Minister of Sport Mark Brown, who was at the event, to step up and provide awards to the rest of the school, in the spirit that the day was trying to instil in the students.

Last week, Brown and the youth sports division of internal affairs did just that.

This is making sure that all schools will get a prize, not just the three dominant schools, Brown said.

Ministry for Education acting secretary Robert Matheson commended the move, saying it backed up the ministrys vision for sport.

Matheson said winning wasnt so important for the students, it was the lessons children learnt through the competition that mattered.

Sports are about teaching focus, setting goals and aiming for targets, he said.

Imanuela Akatemia physical education teacher Wayne Ralph said the prize money would be a very welcome boost to the schools end of year activities.

He said the school would use the money for its Christmas picnic.