Chance to try new sports
Year 6 pupils from a dozen North Island schools are descending on Hawke’s Bay this week to take part in a two-day sports competition at the regional sports park.
The annual Super Sixes event starts today and, with more than 1000 children taking part this year, event organiser and founder Malcolm Dixon said it was on track to achieve the aim of growing into a major event on the schools sporting calendar.
“This is the third year we have done this and the numbers are increasing every year,” Dixon said.
“I think we have 12 schools from outside of Hawke’s Bay, which is stunning. This year they will be competing in netball, hockey, tag rugby, football, basketball, T ball, ki-o-rahi and cycle-cross.
“It is fabulous that local schools now have the opportunity to compete against schools from Gisborne, Wairoa, Palmerston North, Feilding, Whanganui, Porirua, Upper Hutt and Wellington.”
The event, aimed at Year 6 pupils, is based on the concept of the AIMs Games for intermediate-aged pupils.
“We’ve had great support from the local high schools because they are the referees and umpires for us,” Dixon said. “Both Napier City Council and Hastings District Council have provided funding and we have support from gaming trusts.”
Dixon said the costs worked out at just $10 per child for those schools taking part.
The event starts today with an opening ceremony at 9.15am at the Hawke’s Bay Regional Sports Park, in Hastings, before the netball, tag rugby and football events take place.
Day two would involve basketball, ki-o-rahi, cycle-cross, hockey and relay events, before the event’s closing ceremony.