Primary School Regional Athletics event at Newtown Park

Primary School Regional Athletics event to be held at Newtown Park

Hundreds of primary school students are set to take part in the Primary School Regional Athletics event in December at Newtown Park.

Now in its fifth year, the event has grown to over 700 children in the Wellington region participating in 2013. This year’s event is set to draw similar numbers and will be held on Tuesday, 2nd December. The event attracts schools from throughout the greater Wellington region, as far north as the Wairarapa.

Originally organised by Primary Sport Wellington and Athletics Wellington, the event is now run by a recently established Regional Events Committee. The committee is comprised of representatives from Sport Wellington, Primary Sport Wellington, Masterton Primary Schools, the Lower Hutt Primary School Sports Association and the Lower Hutt Southern and Western Zone sports co-ordinator.

Participants, ranging from 8 to 12 years old, have already succeeded at a series of local events before being selected for the regional team. They will compete in short sprints, long sprints, 1000m, high jump, long jump, quoit throw, discus and relay races.

Director of Sport for Primary Sport Wellington, Alison Lavin, started the initial Regional Athletics in 2010. The intent was to offer a pathway of excellence for primary school athletes, with the hope that those who enjoyed the sport would continue on and join their local club.

“Over the years it has been wonderful seeing so many children including athletes with disabilities, competing in a competitive manner but demonstrating sportsmanship and enjoyment in what they achieved” says Lavin.

In its inaugural year, five primary school sporting associations competed. Lavin is pleased that this year, for the first time, all eight associations are represented.

What: Primary School Regional Athletics
When: Tuesday, 2nd December
Where: Newtown Park, Wellington

For more information please visit www.sportwellington.org.nz

ENDS

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