Inaugural trolley derby to be held in Rotorua

Inaugural trolley derby to be held in Rotorua

For immediate release: 2 July 2013

Registrations are open for the Inaugural Kaharoa School Trolley Derby, to be held in Rotorua on Sunday 11 August. The trolley derby is being held to raise funds for Kaharoa School and in remembrance of a much-loved father from the community, Mike Donnelly.

Organised by the Kaharoa School PTA, the trolley derby is set to be a fun-filled family event for the young and old. Racing categories include Dragsters (5-10 year olds), Speedsters (11-17 year olds) and Racers (18 years and over).

Kaharoa School Principal Warwick Moyle came up with the event idea.

"Kaharoa School relies on monies raised from the PTA. In planning events for this year I thought it would be great to have an event to honour pupil Luke Donnelly whose father Mike Donnelly sadly passed away two years ago. Mike's love of all things with wheels planted the seed for this idea," said Mr Moyle.

And planning has been in full swing since then. A core team of 10 parents from the school are organising the event. On the day around 50 volunteers will be on hand to do everything from being road marshals through to cooking food and running kids entertainment.

"This is set to be a great day. Already we have 24 registrations and can take up to 40. Each kart will have at least three runs down the track. The fastest karts will be in a final and the overall winner will be awarded the Mike Donnelly Memorial Trophy," said Mr Moyle.

Each kart will have a practice run and two heats. The three fastest times in each category will go through to the final. The races will occur on Kaharoa Road, which will be closed for the event.

"Mike would have loved that the Trolley Derby was being held in his honour," said Lisa Beamsley, Mike's partner.

"This will be a special day for us to honour Mike's memory. Family and friends far and wide will be coming. I know if Mike was here he would be madly working with Luke to make the fastest go-kart possible," said Ms Beamsley.

Mike Donnelly's son Luke will be first racer on the track.

Entry cost is $15 per trolley and registrations close Friday 19 July 2013.

To find out race rules and to register go to www.kaharoa.co.nz

Overview of race rules Trolleys must meet design specifications as per the rules on www.kaharoa.co.nz Protective clothing must be worn Trolleys and protective clothing must pass scrutineering on race day Trolley can only be entered once in each category Trolleys must have brakes and a steering system (no rope steering is allowed)

ENDS

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