ALS shoot into top echelon
The Abundant Life School netball team are celebrating an impressive showing in their debut campaign at the AIMS Games earlier this month.
Coached by Rhonda Martin Raharuhi, recently appointed coach developer for the Netball Northern Zone, and featuring no less than six Mangonui rep players, the Kaitaia team lived up to its full potential by winning nine of its 12 games at the week-long tournament for Year 7/8 students .
This winning percentage saw the side make it into the A-grade section of the competition and eventually finish 17th overall out 122 teams, representing the highest placing by a Northland team at the major annual tournament.
Well impressed, Abundant Life School principal Mark Tan congratulated the players, coaching staff and everyone else who contributed to such a successful AIMS Games campaign which was regarded as even more remarkable considering it was the school’s first ever time at the event.
“I knew they’d do well but I have been blown away by the comments and feedback by everyone else. Over and above their results and on-court skills, their heart and integrity have shone through, something we are so proud of and what we teach our students here at Abundant Life School, Godly character in all we do is everything.” ■ The AIMS Games were held in Tauranga and ran from Sunday to Friday, September 9-14. Murrays Bay Intermediate claimed 1st place overall.