Moveable feast for sport fans

A new all-weather court at Marlborough Boys’ College is already proving a slam dunk with students.

They did not need to be asked twice to test out the TigerTurf, in the shade of a canopy roof, as the court was officially opened on Wednesday following a twomonth installation by Southern Turf.

Deputy principal Michael Heath said the all-weather outdoor learning space was much needed as more than half the students took courses involving physical activity, and the gymnasium felt very small when shared by multiple classes on rainy days.

The Ministry of Education funded the work after the college made a successful application in 2019 for a School

Investment Package grant but there had been several delays including lockdowns and poor weather.

‘‘It has taken a while to come but we are pretty pleased we are able to open it today ... the boys have been champing at the bit to get on it,’’ Heath said.

He said the school felt it was important to make sure current students did not miss out on upgrades just because the new co-located campus was on the horizon and he was pleased the Ministry of Education had supported that in approving the funds.

However, the facility would eventually move on to the new

Year 10 student Anru Erasmus, 15, cuts the ribbon, or in this case caution tape, to formally open the new courts. Slam dunk: Marlborough Boys’ College students try out the new all-weather multi-sport court.