Getting schooled on sporting action

The Gold Coast region was split up into four “clusters” – Pacific, Wider, Northern and GIPSA (Greater Independent Public Schools Association) – with the top school from each group proceeding to crossover finals after a round robin phase dating back to the first term of this year.

Pacific covers the furthest north and west schools such as Shailer Park and Beaudesert; Northern stretches from Pimpama to Keebra Park; Wider features the southern region including Palm Beach Currumbin; while GIPSA is a select quartet of schools such as Helensvale and Miami.

As Pacific Pines State High School director of football Damien Richardson puts it, students have the chance to be crowned the Coast’s best.

Semi-finals in each sport will be played between Pacific and Northern schools while GIPSA and Wider will today go head-to-head for the other grand final place..

Sports in both boys and girls divisions include basketball, soccer, touch and volleyball, while tennis and table tennis will be played as mixed events.

Helensvale is the highest represented school with 19 teams in semi-finals.

Picture: BOWLS AUSTRALIA Australian Jackaroos captain Lynsey Clarke is deep in thought during the competition.